trial Archives - Page 2 of 11

YNW Melly’s Friend Says He Should’ve Smoked Before Taking The Witness Stand

July 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Day 12 of YNW Melly’s trial for double murder brought to light some interesting revelations and allegations, as reported by live streams and correspondent Bryson “Boom” Paul. Moreover, his colleague Treveon Miliak Glass testified on the witness stand, informing prosecutors of some potentially meaningful claims. According to Glass, he, the rapper, and the two men he stands accusing of killing, YNW Juvy and YNW SakChaser, went to a studio session together. Then, he saw the three of them leave in a vehicle after cutting the 12-hour session short due to tiredness. Furthermore, Glass apparently went to Melly’s home, fell asleep, and heard of the shooting when he woke up.

According to Glass, when he later saw YNW Melly at Fredo Bang’s house, he wore different clothes to what he wore in the studio session. Overall, these may be damning claims, especially considering that he confirmed the Florida MC’s identity in security footage of him entering the vehicle in question. However, Glass’ testimony was also marked by a strange thread pulled by the prosecutor questioning him. Glass was repeatedly asked about his marijuana consumption and said he smoke about twice a day, and ended his testimony by maintaining that he didn’t smoke before his testimony, but that he should’ve.

YNW Melly’s Friend Questioned About Smoking Weed

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by No Jumper (@nojumper)

In terms of other details that came about during this session, Glass’ time in court saw another bump. During recess, he texted and talked on his phone while the jury wasn’t there, which the defense remarked to Judge John Murphy III. Upon inquiring about these conversations, Glass explained that he spoke to his brother for reasons unrelated to the trial. While his testimony may prove crucial to the prosecution and defense’s arguments, to see an interrogation so centered around an innocuous personal habit paints a bad light for the court’s treatment of YNW Melly’s case.

Meanwhile, lead detective Mark Moretti also took the stand. He claimed that the location of the shooting raised concerns after speaking to the Melly and Juvy’s mothers and YNW Bortlen. Also, he revealed Snapchat messages from the 24-year-old artist to former girlfriend Mariah Hamilton sticking by Bortlen’s side. In addition, the prosecution attempted to prove their theory that Fredo Bang picked Melly up after the murders, bringing up an alleged text message he sent Melly the morning after the shooting. “Miramar fl 33029 I’m On my way! Right now blood,” Fredo allegedly wrote. The court also prohibited the jury from seeing the vehicle the murder allegedly took place in. For more updates on the YNW Melly trial tomorrow, stick around on HNHH.

[via]

The post YNW Melly’s Friend Says He Should’ve Smoked Before Taking The Witness Stand appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Jury In YNW Melly Trial Prohibited From Viewing Alleged Murder Vehicle

July 7, 2023 by newhiphopnews

YNW Melly has been on trial for nearly a month, accused of murdering two of his friends. The young men, YNW Juvy and YNW SakChaser, were killed in 2018. Allegedly, Melly, the two victims, and another associate YNW Bortlen, were in the vehicle at the time of the shooting. Bortlen’s trial is scheduled to begin on October 2 of this year. According to surveillance footage shown to jurors in court, Bortlen brought the two men to the hospital following the shooting. Sadly, it was too late. Melly claims they were victims of a drive-by shooting, however, investigators have provided evidence that appears to support otherwise. If convicted, Melly will be facing the death penalty.

In court today (July 7), Judge John Murphy denied prosecutors’ motion to allow jurors to see the vehicle where the alleged murders took place. “I don’t think it’s gonna assist the jury in any great degree in analyzing the evidence,” the judge told the prosecution, “So, respectfully, the motion is denied.”

YNW Melly’s Trial Continues

On June 28, detective Sgt. Christopher Williams testified in court, claiming that the “angles” and trajectory of the victims’ bullet wounds weren’t consistent with a drive-by shooting. “The shooting happened from somebody inside the car,” he stated. According to reports, however, none of Melly’s DNA was found in the jeep where the men were killed. Investigators also didn’t find gun powder residue on Melly’s hands the night of the incident.

YNW Melly has been behind bars in Florida since 2019 for the alleged double murder. The 24-year-old rapper has had a major spike in monthly Spotify listeners since his trial began last month. According to Bryson “Boom” Paul, his streaming numbers have continued to climb. Paul reported earlier this week that he now has 11,906,390 monthly listeners, a 5.4% increase from the week before. The trial has been pretty controversial, with ongoing chatter online about his lawyer Raven Liberty, prosecutors playing his music in the courtroom, and more.

[Via]

The post Jury In YNW Melly Trial Prohibited From Viewing Alleged Murder Vehicle appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

YNW Melly’s Spotify Monthly Listeners Keep Increasing Amid Trial

July 3, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Since it’s one of the most high-profile crime stories in hip-hop right now, it’s natural for the YNW Melly case to bring him some significant attention. Previously, we reported some remarkable increases in streams amid the Florida MC’s trial for double murder. Within just a week of his court proceedings beginning, his Spotify monthly listeners went up by almost 800K, whether those are all new listeners or old ones revisiting him. Moreover, it’s hard to divide what percentage of these listeners are listening to him more than once, if they listened to him last month, and so on. What we do know is that Melly has a lot of eyes and ears on him right now as his case develops.

Furthermore, the most recent reports on his Spotify listener base reflect similar numbers that are unlikely to decrease anytime soon. The 24-year-old’s monthly listeners saw another increase of 5.4% from last week to this one. Once at 11,296,243, now YNW Melly has 11,906,390 accounts tuning in every month. That means that more than 600,000 people presumably joined in on his discography.

YNW Melly Gains More Monthly Listeners On Spotify

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Still, when it comes to the trial itself, we have a bit of a break right now when it comes to its developments and discoveries. The court is currently adjourned in the YNW Melly case, returning to session on Monday, July 10 after about a week of pause. Regardless of this gap, there are still plenty of moments, big or small, to analyze surrounding the “Mixed Personalities” artist’s fate. For example, one of the most curious recent happenings in court was the reference to various rappers, pictures of whom were presented by prosecutors as evidence for unclear reasons.

Meanwhile, another recent development occurred when a detective spoke on whether the shooting Melly’s accused of was a drive-by. Apparently, the rapper tried to stage one, and the detective fought back against that attempt. However, investigators did not find his DNA in the vehicle he allegedly shot his victims in. As such, it remains a murky aspect of the trial. For more news and the latest updates on YNW Melly, log back into HNHH.

The post YNW Melly’s Spotify Monthly Listeners Keep Increasing Amid Trial appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

YNW Bortlen’s Trial To Begin In October

June 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

YNW Melly has been in trial for some time now, accused of murdering his two friends, YNW SakChaser and YNW Juvy, in 2018. Melly’s defense claims the two young men were killed in a drive-by shooting, which investigators are arguing is impossible. Now, it’s been revealed that the only other surviving person in the vehicle on the night of the murders aside from Melly, YNW Bortlen, will also be on trial beginning in October. His trial starts October 2, 2023 at Broward County Courthouse, according to Bryson “Boom” Paul.

Today, Bortlen also appeared in court in Florida. His defense attorney motioned for the artist to work while he awaits the upcoming trial. Assistant State Attorney Kristine Bradley was opposed to the motion. She argued that Bortlen had previously violated his bond agreement. In January of 2021, Bortlen was found to have violated his pre-trial release conditions, as shown by his ankle monitor. Allegedly, the ankle monitor tracked him going to strip clubs and personal residences, when he was only supposed to travel for work.

YNW Bortlen Appeared In Court

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

A Broward County Courthouse spokesperson later confirmed that Bortlen’s pre-trial release had been revoked, and a judge reportedly called for him to be arrested. In January of this year, it was also reported that Bortlen provided information to the police regarding the night of the murders. Audio was released of Bortlen speaking with an unidentified person about the shootings. Though Bortlen didn’t share specific details in the audio, listeners speculate that he could have been speaking to a detective. Whether he was or not, Bortlen’s trial will be instrumental in the case.

Recently, hundreds of photos were submitted as evidence in Melly’s trial. Kristine Bradley submitted the photos, which featured various famous rappers. Artists like Drake, French Montana, Kevin Gates, and more have been previously mentioned throughout Melly’s trial. The photos included Kanye West, Lil Uzi Vert, Kodak Black, Young Thug, and more.

[Via]

The post YNW Bortlen’s Trial To Begin In October appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

YNW Melly Case: Detective States That Shooting Wasn’t A Drive-By

June 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The latest update in the YNW Melly double murder trial points to him staging a drive-by shooting to cover up the deaths of YNW Juvy and YNW SakChaser, of which he’s accused. Moreover, a forensic study of the crime scene and a testimony from detective Sgt. Christopher Williams on Wednesday (June 28) supported that claim. Furthermore, these suggested that the bullets that fatally struck both men came from inside the vehicle they rode in, not from outside. As such, now the Florida rapper’s side of the story saw a challenge from the prosecution, and it’s unclear whether there will be further investigation. Regardless, the court heard from the detective on the witness stand, and he gave his assessment.

“The shooting happened from somebody inside the car,” Williams stated while describing the crime scene. In addition, he believes that “the angles” at which the bullets struck Juvy and SakChaser “did not change,” and that he probably overlooked these details because he initially tested the scene for a drive-by. Also, he explained that a bullet stuck Juvy in the head at close range from his left in “the middle of his cheek” while looking ahead. “Part of the wound had an abrasion ring on it,” the sergeant stated as he brought up the “tattoo of the stippling” as proof against YNW Melly.

YNW Melly Accused Of Staging Drive-By Shooting

Previously, Judge John Murphy saw footage of the “223’s” MC sitting behind the victims in the Jeep Cherokee. What’s more is that the jury heard from medical examiners that determined that both men suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head after their autopsy. Prosecutors also showed text messages from YNW Melly asking for a gun from his mother two months before the alleged murder. With all this in mind, the 24-year-old’s case is unraveling ominously for him, although he scored some small victories.

For example, the court ruled another forensics report invalid due to the prosecution failing to report its discovery. As such, any evidence or conclusions gathered from that will not be allowed to be used in court. As the case develops, the public gives their thoughts on whether he did it, and what the outcome of the case will be. With that in mind, stay posted on HNHH for the latest news and updates on YNW Melly.

[via]

The post YNW Melly Case: Detective States That Shooting Wasn’t A Drive-By appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

YNW Melly Trial: Rapper’s DNA Reportedly Not Found In Jeep The Night Of Shooting

June 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

YNW Melly is currently on trial for the alleged double murder of YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy. Of course, this incident took place all the way back in 2018. Since that time, Melly has actually been in jail and has awaited trial. Now, the trial is finally here and a lot is being brought to light. Although this trial has been confusing at times, new witnesses are coming in to try and paint a picture. Overall, yesterday was a productive day in court as we heard from forensics experts who surveyed the crime scene.

Perhaps the biggest revelation had to do with some of the DNA evidence, or lack there of. In the Instagram post below from Neighborhood Talk, it was reported that YNW Melly’s DNA could not be found in the jeep on the night of the alleged double murder. Moreover, he didn’t have any gun residue on his hands that night. However, it was revealed that they were able to find his DNA on the door handle to the car, although investigators only found this evidence a month ago.

YNW Melly DNA Evidence

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Today in court, investigators are taking to the stand to discuss the trajectory of the bullets. Originally, Melly had claimed that Sakchaser and Juvy died in a drive-by. However, based on the testimony of forensics experts, it would appear as though the shots came from close range and within the vehicle itself. This reporting comes from Bryson “Boom” Paul, who has been live-tweeting from within the courtroom.

At this juncture, the trial still has a long way to go. From there, the jury will have to deliberate which will subsequently lead to a guilty or not-guilty ruling. If convicted, YNW Melly could face the death penalty, making this a particularly unique case. Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world.

The post YNW Melly Trial: Rapper’s DNA Reportedly Not Found In Jeep The Night Of Shooting appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Michael Jackson Molestation Allegations Will Officially Go To Trial

June 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Michael Jackson will officially be tried for sex crimes related to Wade Robinson when he was a child. According to TMZ, the California Court of Appeal will allow Robinson to make his case. His claims state that Jackson molested him in Neverland Ranch between the ages of 7 to 14. Robinson is actually suing Michael Jackson’s corporation MJJ Productions. Jackson’s lawyers have argued that MJJ Production had no ability to control Jackson, therefore no duty to protect Robinson. After that was originally ruled in favor of the company an appellate court has now overturned that rule and it will go to a trial.

In 2005 Michael Jackson was on trial for molestation of a different boy and Robinson testified. At the time he said that while he did lay in a bed with Jackson, nothing further ever happened. Years later when he filed a lawsuit against the company he claimed “complete manipulation and brainwashing” were the reasons for his inaccurate testimony. Another man who filed a lawsuit with similar claims is expected to also get his opportunity for trial. Despite the ruling representatives for Jackson told TMZ that they suspect the truth will come out and they will prevail during the trial.

Michael Jackson Trial Will Proceed

(FILES) US pop star and entertainer Michael Jackson preforms before an estimated audience of 60,000 in Brunei on July 16, 1996. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 after suffering a cardiac arrest, sending shockwaves sweeping across the world and tributes pouring in on June 26 for the tortured music icon revered as the “King of Pop.” AFP PHOTO/FRANCIS Sylvain (Photo credit should read FRANCIS Sylvain/AFP via Getty Images)

Recently many were reminded of Michael Jackson’s influence when Britney Spears posted some throwback tribute pics. Spears posted a video of the two legendary pop figures dancing together. He was also recently honored by Lil Kim while she was on tour. Fittingly she’s touring with none other than Janet Jackson.

In other legal news, Jackson’s estate is working through a trial of its own. His own mother is set to testify against having his masters sold. The proposed sale for his music was expected to run over $800 million. What do you think about the newest legal developments for Michael Jackson? Let us know in the comment section below.

The post Michael Jackson Molestation Allegations Will Officially Go To Trial appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Young Thug’s Lawyer Calls For Certain Charges To Be Dropped

June 26, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The newest twist in the long-running legal drama for Young Thug and the YSL RICO case has arrived. Young Thug’s lawyer has reportedly filed a massive new motion to have many of the charges thrown out. The reason for the motion is a claim that anything accused of happening more than 5 years before the arrest date is invalid. This is due to the statute of limitations on the RICO laws that were used to arrest almost 30 people associated with YSL. The motion requests that any charge related to something that happened 5 years before Thugger’s arrest be thrown out.

In the wake of this news breaking many fans thought similar things. Namely, why did this take so long to come out? In a trial that has been ongoing for over a year now it seems to many like this legal maneuver should have come a long time ago. Comments under an Instagram post sharing the news expressed this sentiment in a number of ways. “Why they ain’t been tried this,” one commenter says. “His lawyer just realizing this? Lmao,” another reads.

Young Thug’s New Legal Tactic

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Young Thug and the YSL RICO trial have been at the center of rap news for over a year now. Thugger just released his new album Business Is Business. It’s his first project since 2021’s Punk and his first since the arrest happened last year. The album is packed full of high-profile features from artists like 21 Savage, Travis Scott, Drake, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, and more. It also features lyrics that have been a lightning rod for ongoing controversy related to Gunna’s alleged snitching.

Young Thug’s YSL label mate Gunna has faced a lot of hate from fellow rappers for allegedly snitching on his label mates. In some lyrics on Thugger’s new album, he takes shots at snitches that certainly seem like they could be aimed at Gunna. While some online have claimed the lyrics predate the pair’s arrest, it’s currently unclear who Thug was talking about. What do you think of Young Thug’s newest legal strategy? Let us know in the comment section below.

[Via]

The post Young Thug’s Lawyer Calls For Certain Charges To Be Dropped appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Undercover Detective Testifies At YNW Melly’s Trial Wearing A Ski Mask

June 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

A detective opted to shield his identity today while testifying in YNW Melly’s double murder trial. The detective and gang expert, Danny Polo, claims that he’s undercover, and has been receiving death threats as of late. He was allowed by Circuit Judge John Murphy, who cited his “safety and security,” to wear a black ski mask to hide his face. Melly’s defense attorney, David Howard, objected to the use of the ski mask. Assistant State Attorney Kristine Bradley asked Polo gang-related questions.

Melly’s attorneys have continued to claim that evidence being presented is improper, calling it “prejudicial.” Howard additionally claims that cell phone evidence being used cannot be properly authenticated. “That phone was being used while Mr. Demons was in custody,” he says, “We know it is being used by several other people.” Melly could be facing the death penalty if he is found guilty of the murders of Christopher “Juvy” Thomas Jr., and Anthony “Sakchaser” Williams. The 19-year-old and 21-year-old men were killed in Broward County on October 26, 2018. Melly’s looking at two counts of premeditated murder.

Melly’s Trial Continues

“This is not his stage personality. This is not an actor that is playing a character. This was his real life,” Bradley claimed in her opening statement, alleging gang activity. She continued, “Any time a word would normally be spelled with a ‘C’ as in Charlie, they don’t use that. They replace it with the letter ‘B,’ so instead of saying, ‘I am at the crib,” they say, ‘I am at the brib.’ Why ladies and gentlemen? Because ‘C’ is associated with Crips, ‘B’ is for Bloods.”

The jury was also shown surveillance footage of Melly and Cortlen “Bortlen” Henry getting into a car with the victims the night of the murders. Footage of Bortlen arriving to the hospital with the victims was also shown to jurors. The judge later claimed that one juror said Polos’ ski mask was giving them “anxiety.” He said that he received a note from them, reading “When I was a child I had seen someone get robbed.”

[Via]

The post Undercover Detective Testifies At YNW Melly’s Trial Wearing A Ski Mask appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

YNW Melly Trial: Sick Juror Replaced By Alternate

June 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Everyone in the fields of hip-hop culture and crime is keeping a close eye on the YNW Melly double murder trial. Moreover, small developments in the case could end up having big consequences, as the most recent events display in a seemingly small but crucial way. Furthermore, journalist Bryson “Boom” Paul reported that the court replaced a sick juror with an alternate individual on Thursday (June 22). As such, this could potentially impact the trial depending on whether or not the new juror will interpret the case in the same way that the original one would. Regardless, at least it was a potentially speed bump in the proceedings that the court was able to sidestep swiftly.

In addition, changes like these could also have big implications considering a recent decision on the integrity of the case. On Tuesday (June 20), Judge Murphy III denied YNW Melly’s defense team’s motion for a mistrial, and the case continued as planned. For those unaware, the rapper’s attorneys believed evidence presented by the state to be prejudicial and therefore improper. In other words, this evidence did not further the facts of the case, in the defense’s eyes, but rather placed a bias on their client that could unrightfully impact the verdict.

Ill Juror Gets Replacement In YNW Melly Case: Report

#YNWMellyTrial: The previously sick juror has been replaced with an alternate for the remainder of the @YNWMelly Double Murder trial.#ynwmelly #melly

— Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) June 22, 2023

Still, there seems to be a lot to still go through in this trial, especially with the contention present regarding the mistrial. Since that decision, a few other updates from the courtroom proved interesting to the public- with one in particular being favorable for YNW Melly. During Wednesday’s proceedings (June 21), the court maintained that prosecutors committed a discovery violation. Apparently, as a result of not disclosing an additional forensics report, the court will now bar certain information from being brought forth as evidence.

Of course, it’s unclear whether said evidence would have acted in the Florida native’s favor at the end of the day. That being said, it being a part of the case built by the prosecution likely couldn’t have spelled out good news for him. With that in mind, stay logged into HNHH for the latest news, updates, and viral moments from the YNW Melly trial.

The post YNW Melly Trial: Sick Juror Replaced By Alternate appeared first on HotNewHipHop.