Why were witness tampering charges dropped against YNW Melly?

Florida prosecutors dropped the charges just before his double murder retrial was set to begin, with his legal team asserting no crimes had occurred.

When is YNW Melly's double murder retrial?

YNW Melly's double murder retrial is scheduled to take place in January 2027.

How long has YNW Melly been in custody?

YNW Melly has been in custody for 2,202 days as of the current date.

Home / Crime and Justice / YNW Melly Charges Dropped Ahead of Murder Retrial

YNW Melly Charges Dropped Ahead of Murder Retrial

20 Jan

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Summary

Witness tampering charges against YNW Melly were dropped.
His double murder retrial is scheduled for January 2027.
Rapper has been in custody for 2,202 days.

YNW Melly Charges Dropped Ahead of Murder Retrial

Florida state prosecutors dismissed all witness tampering and gang-related charges against rapper YNW Melly on January 20, 2026. This surprise decision came a day before jury selection was to commence for his double murder retrial, now set for January 2027.

These charges stemmed from allegations that Melly, born Jamell Demons, attempted to influence a witness during his previous 2023 double murder trial, which resulted in a hung jury. Prosecutors had accused him of orchestrating the deaths of Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr. on October 26, 2018.

Melly's defense team welcomed the dismissal, asserting that their client should be released from custody. They highlighted that he has been held under restrictive conditions for 652 days while these charges were pending.

Meanwhile, Cortlen Henry, who faced charges in connection with the murder case and reached a plea deal in September, was sentenced to 10 years for witness tampering and accessory after the fact. The murder retrial has seen previous postponements due to evidence issues.

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