The long-awaited trial for YNW Melly's murder case is finally due to kick off later this month. Unfortunately, the Florida native received some bad news ahead of that regarding the death penalty. It was previously taken off the table for Melly, but ultimately later put back on after the ruling was found to be faulty. Since then, the 23-year-old has continued to campaign for his freedom with the help of attorneys, family, friends, and fans.
Even from behind bars Melly has managed to get messages out via Instagram. In one from earlier this year, the "Murder On My Mind" artist shared that he's "in fear of [his] life" behind bars while awaiting his fate. YNW has allegedly dealt with harsh deputies, lieutenants, and sergeants, all of whom he says are threatening to "hide [him] from the world." The original posts are no longer on his profile, leaving only more recent snapshots of the embattled star smiling while wearing a suit in court.
YNW Melly is Eager to Come Home
As XXL reports, on Friday (June 2) Broward Circuit Judge John Murphy agreed with state prosecutors who filed a motion following a new statute allowing jury members to recommend a death sentence with an 8-4 vote. Before this, all 12 jurors would have to vote for the fatal penalty. Melly will officially be one of the first tried under the harsh new rule following Parkland High School shooter Nikolas Cruz's recent denial due to a 9-3 vote from the jury.
Of all the states where it's still legal, Florida now has the lowest threshold for handing out a death sentence in the country. Read all about the jury selection process for YNW Melly's upcoming trial at the link below. Do you think the judge's new ruling is fair for the young rapper? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Read More: YNW Melly's Trial Begins Jury Selection
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