retrial Archives - New Hip Hop News

Pras Retrial Under Review Due To Defense Lawyer’s Incompetence: Report

January 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Despite his guilty verdict in a federal trial for political conspiracy and money laundering, it looks like Pras will still get the opportunity to fight for a second chance. Moreover, new reports from Vulture and HipHopDX indicate that earlier this month, the court called for a hearing to discuss the rapper’s defense team for three days. This is in order to determine whether he should get a retrial given the lack of competence demonstrated by his defense attorney David Kenner. For example, Vulture reports that he outsourced work to a remote medical malpractice lawyer, filed his first motion a year after being able to do so, concealed a limiting injury, and did not bring on experienced legal practitioners to assist in the process.

“Unsuccessful is not the same as ineffective,” prosecutor Nicole Lockhart remarked. Given this perceived failure to effectively represent Pras, who faces 20 years in jail on 10 counts, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly thinks this could warrant a more fair and prepared shot. As such, a sentence, retrial, or plea-bargain talks could surface as the court’s preferred method of handling this, although this is all still presumably under review at press time. According to this case’s conviction last April, the Fugees star allegedly lobbied illegally in the best interests of his colleagues, in-state and overseas, when it comes to campaign donations and other political and economic factors, in addition to other lawsuits.

Pras Arrives At Court In April 2023

Pras Retrial Defense Lawyer Hip Hop News — WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 03: Pras Michel, a member of the 1990’s hip-hop group the Fugees, arrives at U.S. District Court on April 3, 2023 in Washington, DC. Michel is on trial for his alleged participation in a campaign finance conspiracy. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Not only that, but Pras’ former lawyer also allegedly used artificial intelligence to craft their closing statement, tanking their chances. “Kenner’s closing argument made frivolous arguments, misapprehended the required elements, conflated the schemes and ignored critical weaknesses in the government’s case,” his new legal team stated. The A.I. program failed Kenner, and Kenner failed [Pras] Michel. The closing argument was deficient, unhelpful and a missed opportunity that prejudiced the defense.”

Meanwhile, some reports suggest Kenner actually had a financial stake in the company that created this A.I. program, but the company EyeLevel.AI denied this despite his boasting. Regardless of all this, the New Jersey-born artist maintained his innocence. “Pras was never an FBI informant,” his publicist shared. “It’s not accurate and, quite frankly, it’s dangerous. If he was an informant, he would not be on trial. The government does not prosecute and threaten its informants with more than two decades of jail time.” For more news and the latest updates on Pras, stick around on HNHH.

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YNW Melly Retrial Start Date Revealed, Judge Wants “Urgency”

January 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The retrial for YNW Melly’s double murder case faced numerous delays since the original trial’s conclusion in a mistrial in July 2023. However, according to new reports from journalist Bryson “Boom” Paul, Judge John Murphy III believes that they must nor fret any further, Moreover, he declared that jury selection in the rapper’s retrial will begin on March 5 “or as soon thereafter as this [case] may be heard,” according to new court documents. For those unaware, Melly stands accused of murdering his colleages YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser in October of 2018. Authorities arrested him in February of 2019.

Furthermore, this follows recent reports on what prosecutors submitted and prepared for this upcoming process. It will be very interesting to see if they changed their tactics at all, or if they will simply reiterate their original arguments. Regardless, they named dozens of YNW Melly’s songs as evidence, which became as controversial as any other instance of hip-hop lyrics as court material. In addition, the impetus for this start date, according to these documents, the Florida MC “has been in custody for more than 750 days while awaiting trial.”

YNW Melly’s Retrial Will Begin On March 5: Report

#YNWMellyTrial2: Judge Murphy lll ordered a trial order in the @YNWMelly retrial with the Broward Clerk last Tuesday, January 9, with trial set to commence on March 5 as Melly has been in custody for more then 750 days awaiting trial, which the judge has now given the case… pic.twitter.com/XPlEWAqll9

— Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) January 14, 2024

From what Paul reported, Judge Murphy “expressed urgency in getting the retrial underway” in a Friday hearing (January 12). Not only that, but additional pre-trial hearing will, if accordant with the established schedule, take place this week on Thursday and Friday (January 18 and 19). This is to resolve anticipated or emergent situations ahead of jury selection to make YNW Melly’s retrial as speedy and competent as possible. At press time, no indication came up regarding whether these will be the only pre-trial hearings, or if we can expect any in February. As such, the “No Belt” artist is patiently waiting to see if any other complications surge.

Meanwhile, other recent developments in this case involve Fredo Bang reflecting on his relationship with the suspect. He is also a key player in these proceedings, as he faced accusations of transporting Melly after the alleged murder. Apparently, they have not spoken since 2022. For more news and the latest updates on YNW Melly, stay posted on HNHH.

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YNW Melly’s Retrial Postponed, Judge Grants Motions To Exclude Evidence

December 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

YNW Melly’s double murder retrial, originally scheduled for February of next year, has been pushed back once again. Broward Circuit Court Judge John Murphy honored the Melly’s team’s request for an extension earlier this week, allowing them more time to prepare their defense. Jury selection is underway, and opening statements will now begin on March 5, 2024.

In the meantime, the rapper’s team will conduct more than a dozen depositions, several of which were canceled this month. The news follows Murphy’s decision to partially grant 13 defense motions to exclude evidence, per the Miami Herald. Digital evidence, including text messages sent around the time of the murders, has now been restricted. Murphy will also make decisions on various other motions at a hearing next month.

YNW Melly’s Retrial Will Now Begin On March 5, 2024

The news also follows prosecutors’ push to have Melly’s song lyrics used against him in court. They filed for 55 songs, 18 audio files, 14 YouTube videos, and four album covers to be admitted as evidence in his retrial. This is a hotly debated move fans have also seen in Young Thug’s RICO trial. It sparked numerous discussions surrounding creative freedom, with several of the artist’s peers and fans speaking out against the judge’s decision.

Fat Joe, for example, shared his thoughts with CNN‘s Gayle King in November, claiming that a majority of his lyrics don’t reflect the truth. “I’ve been rapping professionally for 30 years,” he explained. “I’ve lied in almost 95 percent of my songs. I’m being honest. I write like I feel that day. I’m just being creative. You couldn’t build a jail high enough for the lyrics I’ve said on songs, which are all untrue. What I am is a family man, the person who gives back to my community all the time, opens businesses in my community.” What do you think of YNW Melly’s double murder retrial getting pushed back again? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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YNW Melly’s Lyrics Could Be Used Against Him In Court

December 18, 2023 by newhiphopnews

With all the focus on Young Thug and the YSL RICO case in recent weeks, many fans have forgotten about the ongoing legal status of YNW Melly. The rapper has been behind bars for years awaiting a verdict in his high-profile double murder trial. His arrest dates all the way back to 2019 for a pair of murders committed in 2018 and he’s still awaiting a verdict in the case. Additionally, in July of this year, Melly’s first trial came to an end with the declaration of a mistrial.

YNW Melly’s second double murder trial is set to begin in February and pre-trial proceedings are underway. In a recent motion filed by the prosecution, they’re hoping to introduce a ton of new evidence into the case. According to The Fader, the prosecution filed for 55 songs, 18 audio files, 14 YouTube videos, and four album covers to be introduced as evidence in the re-trial. Included among them is Melly’s biggest hit, the unfortunately titled “Murder On My Mind.” Subsequently, no verdict on how much of the material will be admissible in the trial has been made yet. Check out more details on what the prosecution is trying to attempt below.

YNW Melly Lyrics Submitted As Evidence

Prosecutors in the YNW Melly double murder case will attempt to use the rapper’s lyrics, album covers, and YouTube videos into evidence. https://t.co/DLds5zlKkB

— The FADER (@thefader) December 18, 2023

Lyrics being used in court against rappers has been a hot topic of debate for years. The most recent instance was with Young Thug in the YSL RICO trial. When the announcement was made public that some of Thug’s lyrics were ruled admissible in court hundreds of thousands of fans and numerous rap figures spoke out against the decision.

The time between Melly’s first and second trials has been turbulent for the rapper. He was once again denied bond and had to remain in prison until his second trial. Consequently, he’s been in police custody for almost 5 full years now awaiting a verdict in his trial. His second trial has been delayed numerous times following its originally announced October start date. What do you think of YNW Melly potentially having his own lyrics and music videos used in court against him? Let us know in the comment section below.

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YNW Melly’s Mom’s OnlyFans Account Heats Up While Waiting For 2024 Retrial

December 1, 2023 by newhiphopnews

During YNW Melly’s double murder trial this past summer, the embattled rapper wasn’t the only member of his family making headlines. His mother, Jamie King, was mentioned several times throughout the court proceedings and has been standing loyally by her 24-year-old’s side as he continues to fight for his innocence. The prosecution ultimately failed in convicting him of charges during their first attempt. Still, as he awaits his retrial, Melly remains behind bars. Unfortunately for the Florida native, he’s spending yet another holiday season in the slammer, as opening statements are now unfolding in February 2024.

At this time, there’s little King can do to help her son besides remaining in good spirits herself. When she’s not campaigning for his freedom on social media, Melly’s mom has been advertising her OnlyFans profile with salacious mirror selfies that show off her toned tummy and slim thick booty. “Click the link in my bio ,” Jamie wrote in her caption, also including a link to her live stream, suggesting that paying users can see more of her body there.

Jamie King is the Latest Rap Mom to Join OnlyFans As YNW Melly Remains Behind Bars

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A post shared by Jamie King (@jamiek_ynw)

At this time, Melly’s mom is charging $10.99/month for a subscription to her OF, with special discounts for purchasing three, six, or 12 months’ worth of access upfront. She only has four posts available for oogling at the moment, but we’re sure that it won’t be long until more of her thirst traps make their way onto the page. It’s unclear exactly how X-rated her content is, though we’re curious to see if she sticks around for the long haul, or if she’s simply keeping herself busy until her son is back in court.

Jamie King isn’t the only rapper mom capitalizing on her curves this holiday season. Karlissa Saffold has been discussing the possibility of launching an NSFW PPV page and has even hinted at debuting her OnlyFans on her son, Blueface’s birthday in January. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

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YNW Melly’s Attorney Files Motion To Suppress Cell Phone, Cites “Legally Insufficient” Affidavit

November 17, 2023 by newhiphopnews

YNW Melly’s attorney Jamie Benjamin is pushing for some evidence collected by police to be suppressed ahead of his upcoming murder retrial, claiming that it was obtained with a “legally insufficient” affidavit. He filed the motion earlier this week, according to documents obtained by HipHopDX, with the Broward County clerk. Benjamin says that authorities didn’t have the probable cause necessary to obtain and search the phone.

While a search warrant was issued, he claims it was done in violation of the rapper’s Fourth and 14th Amendment rights. Detective M. Moretti was the one who signed the affidavit, however, he failed to properly fill out the paperwork. Reportedly, he left out various bits of important information in the documents. The judge has yet to make a decision.

Jamie Benjamin Claims Phone Was Improperly Seized

YNW Melly’s lawyer wants cell phone suppressed due to “legally insufficient” affidavit pic.twitter.com/q06aT5j01m

— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) November 17, 2023

This isn’t the first time Det. Moretti’s work has been called into question, however. Back in August, Melly’s team filed a motion against him while he was under investigation for allegedly using excessive force with a potential witness in the case. The defense asked that all materials from the investigation be handed over to them for review. Melly’s retrial is now scheduled to begin in February of this year. Judge John Murphy announced this week that it’d be delayed due to “extraordinary circumstances.”

Prosecutors requested that the retrial be pushed back earlier this month, citing various different reasons. “Throughout the defendant’s 20+ pleadings and in court hearings, the defendant complains of the number of witnesses that must be deposed as well as the many motions that must be heard,” they said in their motion. “The defendant complains that the state has filed motions after the court’s discovery cut off, yet the defendant himself has also filed motions after this date. Several of the state’s motions are a result of the defendant’s new criminal activity … It is abundantly evident that the defendant is not ready for trial.” What do you think of YNW Melly’s lawyer filing to have his cell phone suppressed? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Prosecutors In YNW Melly Case Seek To Add Evidence Of Witness Tampering

October 24, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Prosecutors in YNW Melly’s double-murder retrial have requested to admit evidence of alleged witness tampering, according to the Miami Herald. They charged him with witness tampering in connection to his first murder trial, earlier this month. Prosecutors argue the rapper and his team attempted to prevent his ex-girlfriend, Mariah Hamilton, from testifying.

“The defendant went to great lengths to have others contact Mariah Hamilton for him,” the prosecution said. “Because he was in jail and had his phone privileges taken away previously by BSO for numerous violations, he utilized fellow gang members to do his dirty work. Not only did he use his fellow gang member Terrence Mathis, who was in custody with him, he also utilized his co-defendant Cortlen Henry, who was out on pretrial release at the time, to be his messenger.”

YNW Melly Booked In Florida

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – FEBRUARY 13: In this handout photo provided by the Broward’s Sheriff’s Office, rapper YNW Melly, real name Jamell Demons, is seen in a police booking photo after being charged with two counts of murder in the first degree February 13, 2019 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Demons allegedly conspired with Cortlen Henry to fatally shot two other Florida based rappers, Christopher Thomas Jr and Anthony Williams, October 26. (Photo by Broward’s Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images)

Melly was initially tried in the double murder case over the summer, but that trial ended with a hung jury. Now, Melly will face a new prosecutor after his team successfully got former lead prosecutor Kristine Bradley removed from the double murder case. Jury selection for the retrial began on October 18.

At the beginning of October, Melly penned an open letter to his father, expressing his confidence that the second trial will prove his innocence. “It’s finally over doe,” he wrote at the time. “I knew I wasn’t getting bond I’d have to have a second mistrial I ain’t trippin. I’ll be home this trial! God is working! I still remember everything.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Melly’s retrial on HotNewHipHop.

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Judge Removes Lead Prosecutor From YNW Melly Retrial

October 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Several news reports have confirmed that a Broward County judge has removed the lead prosecutor in the retrial of YNW Melly’s double homicide case.

Circuit Judge John J. Murphy ruled that ssistant State Attorney Kristine Bradley could not continue to serve as the llead prosecutor in the case because he felt there was a chance that she might testify for the defense. Bradley has been named as one of the defense’s witnesses who can further lessen the credibility of one of Jamell “YNW Melly” Demons’ main accusers in his murder trial.

The retrial is set to be underway, with jury selection starting as soon as next week.

TheSource.com will update this story and cover the retrial.

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YNW Melly Jurors May Remain Anonymous In Retrial

October 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

There have been plenty of crossovers between crime and hip-hop so far in 2023. Unfortunately for the rappers involved, most of the proceedings have been slow-moving. Of course, Young Thug is still waiting for jury selection in the YSL RICO trial to wrap up. Elsewhere, YNW Melly was shockingly granted a mistrial in the summer. He and his defense team are now busy preparing for the prosecution’s retrial regarding the double murder of YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser.

The first time around, the jury’s identity wasn’t concealed. After Melly’s co-defendant, YNW Bortlen, was arrested on witness tampering charges earlier this month, however, a motion has been filed to keep the next round of jurors anonymous in order to protect them. As the Sun Sentinel reports, authorities uncovered “a notebook containing names and physical descriptions of the jury from [Melly’s] first trial.” In their request, prosecutors also noted that “There is evidence that suggests potential or seated jurors in the upcoming jury trial will be subjected to improper outside influences or harassment.”

YNW Melly Anxiously Awaits His Next Trial

As AllHipHop notes, selection for the Florida artist’s retrial was expected to begin on Monday (October 9). Ultimately, though, Judge John Murphy pushed things back to take a closer look at a request from the defense. Previously, they alleged that the prosecution withheld evidence in Melly’s first trial. They’re now asking for the case to be dismissed entirely, or for the Broward State Attorney’s Office to be removed. On Tuesday, a pre-trial hearing was postponed due to one of the “Murder On My Mind” hitmaker’s attorneys falling ill.

Even with the odds stacked against him, YNW Melly seems confident that he’ll once again be a free man when all is said and done. Earlier this month, the embattled artist wrote an open letter to his father, declaring that he sees himself winning his double murder trial in the end. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

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YNW Melly Smiles In Court As Retrial Is Pushed Back

October 6, 2023 by newhiphopnews

YNW Melly appeared in court again today (October 6) for a hearing surrounding his team’s motion to recuse the Broward County State Attorney’s Office from prosecuting his alleged double murder case. The rapper’s team is accusing prosecutors of keeping it under wraps that detective Mark Moretti had obtained Melly’s mom’s cell phone without a proper search warrant.

Moretti’s seizing of the phone wouldn’t have been a problem if there had been a Broward County Sheriff’s Deputy present. State attorney Michelle Boutros alleges that she witnessed him conduct the search without one there, however. Boutros also claims she heard Moretti tell a deputy, “You need to say you were here.” Today in court, they deliberated on whether or not his demand was a joke. Judge John Murphy said that he would be deferring his decision on if the state will be recused.

YNW Melly’s Retrial Starts October 16 Or Later

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Melly’s team has also motioned for the case to be dropped entirely, which is a long shot. Murphy announced that the hearing for their motion is scheduled for October 13. Jury selection was intitially set to begin on October 9. The judge, however, has pushed the date back to make rulings on various other motions. The retrial will now begin on October 16 at the earliest, one week after the prior start date. In a new clip, the 24-year-old performer is seen being escorted into the court room, looking to be in good spirits.

His laid-back demeanor doesn’t come as too much of a surprise, as he’s remained confident that he’s headed home soon. Regardless, if he’s convicted, he could be facing the death penalty. He was also recently hit with a witness tampering charge, and accused of communicating with his co-defendant, YNW Bortlen, to try to get witnesses not to appear in court. What do you think of YNW Melly’s second trial getting delayed? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on YNW Melly.

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