Music

YNW Melly’s Motion for Mistrial Denied by Judge in Murder Case

Defense Attorney David Howard motioned for a mistrial alleging the prosecution "tainted" the jury after Felicia Holmes, the mother of Melly's ex-girlfriend, was questioned.

(Pedro Portal/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

YNW Melly will reportedly have to see his double murder trial play out in court after a judge denied his lawyer's motion for a mistrial on Tuesday.

According to a report from WPLG Local 10 Miami, Broward Circuit Judge John Murphy denied defense attorney David Howard's motion after he disagreed with the lawyer's claim that the prosecution "tainted" the jury after Felicia Holmes, the mother of Melly's ex-girlfriend, was questioned.

Holmes' testimony caused problems for the prosecution and defense teams. According to the Miami Herald, Howard didn't want Holmes to take the stand, which led to several recesses and conflicts with prosecutors.

Prosecutor Kristine Bradley wanted Holmes to testify regarding her police statement in 2018, where she said Melly spoke to his ex on that fateful 2018 night and claimed he was the victim of a drive-by shooting that killed his two friends. Howard argued the woman's statement was inadmissible evidence and motioned for a mistrial.

Another reason behind Howard's pursuit of a mistrial was due to the prosecution having a tough time presenting evidence fo the case. So far, the use of Snapchat memories was denied, Melly's song "Murder On My Mind" couldn't be used, and other witnesses stated the prosecution allegedly pressured them into their testimonies.

The court also announced there would be a pause in witness testimonies after a juror was recently admitted to a hospital after suffering from dehydration. According to a tweet from reporter Bryson Paul, the trial is scheduled to pick back up at 1:30 p.m. est.

YNW Melly was arrested and charged with murdering two of his friends, Christopher "YNW Juvy" Thomas Jr. and Anthony "YNW Sakchaser" Williams, and staging the scene to look like a drive-by shooting in February 2019. If found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, Melly could face the death penalty. He pleaded not guilty in 2019.

Related Stories

ynw melly in court
music

YNW Juvy’s Mother Addresses Viral Clip of YNW Melly Praying and Blowing Kiss in Court

According to Juvy's mother, Melly has made similar gestures at multiple points during the double murder trial.

Trace William Cowen1055 days ago
music

Boosie Badazz Aspires to Be a ‘Hip-Hop Lawyer,’ Gets Called Out for Supporting YNW Melly by Victim’s Father

Boosie Badazz has been attending YNW Melly’s double murder trial in Florida, commenting in amazement at how the prosecution and defense teams are handling the legal proceedings in court.

Mark Elibert1056 days ago
music

How to Watch YNW Melly's Double Murder Trial Live

The third day of YNW Melly’s double-murder trial has officially commenced with evidence now coming into play.

Mark Elibert1056 days ago

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App