Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, is shown during a hearing at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on April 19, 2022. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Jury selection has officially begun in YNW Melly’s ongoing double-murder case, with a trial date set for June 5, 2023, his mother says.
The rapper’s mother, Jamie King, revealed the news in an Instagram post on Monday night.
“Official update on @ynwmelly we started jury selection today and will continue over the next 2 weeks. Trial will start June 5, 2023 no more delays,” the post reads. “#mellyfree2023.”
She said that “Melly’s coming home” and that she “went to court expect more delays, but we started jury selection.”
“Melly coming home. Today I went to court expecting more delays but we started jury selection,” King added. “I can’t explain how I feel my anxiety is everywhere but God got us. #mellyfree2023 @_ynwbslime got see his brother on his birthday first time in 4yrs.” One fan wrote in response to the post, “We miss u Melly.” Another remarked, “I’ve been waiting since 8th grade.”
Melly later confirmed the news in a post on his Instagram account and asked his fans to support him in court, adding, “God is on my side.”
“I Got court Today for all my supporters that want to come show support this been a long journey,” he wrote. “God is on my side.”
Melly’s mother has continued sharing updates on the rapper since he was incarcerated in 2019.
She also posted a picture of a handwritten letter from Melly earlier this year.
“Hey ma, damn y’all made my night my whole month,” Melly wrote with hearts. “So glad I seen y’all. I hope y’all seen me. I know y’all did right when you went screamin ‘I SEE HIM’ they made you leave. [annoyed face] I’m so glad I seen you ma! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Tell Grandma & Silas I love them and appreciate them so much. It was good to see them as well.”
The 23-year-old was arrested in Miramar, Florida, in connection to the Oct. 2018 double-murder of his friends and associates, YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser.
He’s remained in prison while awaiting trial for the killings.
Melly has been open about the harsh conditions he’s faced behind bars. Last year, he released a statement claiming he was being threatened and abused by jail staff, The Shade Room reported.
He said he is the only inmate with “no phone privilege, no television, and no access to a newspaper.”
This is a developing story. Be sure to check in with The Shade Room for more updates as they come.
