Judge approves YNW Melly’s request to replace defence team in double murder trial
YNW Melly recently requested a new defence team in his double murder trial. On September 24th, the judge approved his request.
The Florida rapper is accused of killing his childhood friends, YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser, in October 2018, and is facing a potential death penalty or life sentence.
Melly (real name Jamell Demons) asked for Drew Findling and Carey Haughwout to represent him going forward, which Judge Martin Fein granted, according to NBC 6 South Florida.
In court, Fein said, “This is what you want, right? Ms Haughwout and Mr Findling to appear as your lawyers? You want all the other lawyers to be allowed to withdraw and have those two to be your lawyers going forward? That’s what you want me to do?” Melly replied, “Yes, sir.”
The 26-year-old was previously represented by Raven Liberty, Stuart Adelstein, Daniel Aaronson, and two others, who had been alongside him for years.
The motion for a new legal team was filed on September 10th. Melly claimed that there was a conflict of interest with Liberty, who is being investigated by the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Legal documents read, “Mr Demons’ current team may be unable to fully litigate this issue without fear of further recrimination in the criminal case against one of the team.”
Findling is known as President Donald Trump’s former lawyer. He’s also built a reputation for working with rappers, including NBA YoungBoy, Offset, Lil Baby, DaBaby, Gucci Mane, and many others.
Melly’s first trial ended with a hung jury, with a retrial scheduled for January 2027. Last month, his co-defendant, YNW Bortlen, accepted a plea deal and received a 10-year sentence.
The deal dismissed two counts of first-degree murder, one count of witness tampering, and directing the activities of a criminal gang