Yesterday (July 22), Judge John Murphy declared a mistrial in YNW Melly's alleged double murder case. The jury reached deliberation last week, and has not yet been able to come to a unanimous decision as to whether the rapper is guilty or not. He's accused of killing two of his friends, YNW Juvy and YNW SakChaser, in 2018.
Following the decision, Melly's manager 100K Track spoke on the mistrial. “I’m happy with it,” he explained, “It’s not the verdict we would want of course, but it’s a second chance, and I take that literal for everything. It’s a second chance at life, a second chance at a better defense, so I’m excited. I really feel like Melly’s coming home. I’ve felt like that, but this just confirmed it.”
Melly's Manager Is "Excited" About The Mistrial
Melly's defense claims Juvy and SakChaser were killed in a drive-by shooting, while prosecutors accuse him of shooting them. According to testimonies from investigators, the victims' gunshot wounds suggest that shots were fired from within the vehicle. Earlier today, Melly's mother took to social media to weigh in. “9 not Guilty 3 guilty,” she alleged in an Instagram Story, “It was a mistrial my son will be home God is still working [prayer hands emoji] [fingers-crossed emoji].” Amid her claims, other journalists suggest that the jury was actually in a 6-6 deadlock leading to the mistrial.
The news has gotten some social media users confused, with many believing that the mistrial ruling means Melly is off the hook. This is not the case. It's likely that prosecutors will try Melly again in another trial, and he has not been acquitted. Regardless, users shared their thoughts on Twitter. Several are shocked that the judge ruled a mistrial, and some are excited that the rapper has another opportunity to walk away a free man. “The defense already showed their hand and their strategies,” Atlanta journalist @1goatalexis wrote. “The lawyer did admit it is still a hard case to get a guilty verdict on. His opinion is that the State should put Bortlen on trial as well and try Melly and Bortlen together.”
Twitter Reacts To Mistrial
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