Young Thug wants in on the streaming world? The YSL rapper pulled up on Adin Ross and revealed he wanted in on the action. “I gotta learn how to do…
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The YSL RICO trial is still going, and this week, the mother of Donovan Thomas Jr., who was shot to death in a 2015 alleged gang-related incident, took the stand in Young Thug’s trial on Monday. This was the only day of witness testimony scheduled for the week as the trial approaches its six-month mark. The trial, which began on November 27, 2023, will hit the six-month mark on Monday, May 27, recognized as Memorial Day. It is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, May 28.
Donovan Thomas Jr., then 26, was murdered in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill neighborhood. Two other victims were also shot. Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, two of the remaining defendants in Young Thug’s trial, were charged in connection with the shooting.
Thomas’ mother, Shawonna Edmond, testified emotionally about how she learned of her son’s death and the days that followed. Once can’t imagine what she experienced on that day. When prosecutors asked, “Did you lay your son to rest?” she replied, “Yes, yes we did.” Asked when the burial occurred, Edmond tearfully responded, “It was January 17, 2015.”
Prosecutors also called several other witnesses, including an Atlanta police officer. The trial has seen numerous delays, including an incident late last year when Stillwell was stabbed in custody at the Fulton County Jail.
Prosecutors aim to prove that YSL, or Young Slime Life, is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous offenses. Defense attorneys contend that YSL is merely the name of a record label, Young Stoner Life. Jeffery Williams, professionally known as Young Thug, was indicted on May 9, 2022. He is on trial in Fulton County in a significant RICO case involving himself and five other defendants. The trial opened with a statement from Fulton County Assistant Chief District Attorney Adriane Love on November 27, 2023.
Young Thug faces eight criminal counts under a federal law designed to combat organized crime. Georgia, one of 33 states with its own RICO law, allows for the prosecution of criminal enterprises that do not need to exist as long as those under the federal statute.
Defense attorneys have expressed concerns that the trial could extend for years due to the extensive witness list the prosecution intends to call. They argue that Williams is not the leader of an alleged gang as claimed by prosecutors.
Eighteen jurors have been selected, including six alternates. Two jurors have already been excused: one for a medical emergency and the other due to relocating out of Fulton County.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville has expressed frustration with the trial’s slow pace, urging both defense attorneys and prosecutors to be better prepared. He has indicated a willingness to hold court on weekends if necessary, stating, “I have spoken with our sheriff and, consistent with the court, if need be we’ll start having court on Saturday and Sunday.”
In addition to the RICO charges, Williams faces charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of codeine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm, and possession of a machine gun. Prosecutors have indicated they plan to call approximately 150 more witnesses.
The post Mother of Murder Victim Testifies in YSL Rico Trial first appeared on The Source.
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The YSL RICO Trial took a surprising turn on day 17 as Young Thug’s attorney exposed the rapper’s “gangsta” image as a complete fraud.
The defense cross-examined Trontavious Stephens, also known as “Tick,” about Young Thug’s song “Pushin P” and the public persona he depicts on social media. Describing it as branding, Thug’s own lawyer revealed that the Atlanta rapper’s whole image is far from the reality.
Attorney Steele focused his questions on undermining the prosecutions attempts to present Young Thug as a gang leader. Instead, he painted the picture of the rapper as a fashion and music trendsetter who faced ridicule in his early years in the hood for wearing tight pants.
During the trial, attorney Brian Steele played the video of “Pushin P” and questioned Trontavious about the signs the “Check” rapper was throwing up. To everyone’s surprise, Trontavious admitted that it was just a harmless “P” sign, as Steele replied, “That’s certainly not a blood sign.”
Attorney Steele also further dismantled Young Thug’s gangster rapper image by focusing on how he used social media to create a false gang image while Trontavious himself lived that lifestyle.
The defense lawyer delved deeper into the dynamics between Young Thug and Trontavious, asking if Trontavious had ever been upset with Young Thug for the content of certain songs. Trontavious revealed:
“Yes, cause I knew that he was teasing. He made a song and referred to me as robbing women. At that time, the whole neighborhood was making fun of me. I was mad for even putting that in the song knowing it was false.” You were mad because he was taking credit for things that you did? “I felt a certain type of way.” “I felt jealousy because I know it was something I coulda been rapping about.”
Continuing to undermine Young Thug’s gangster brand, Steele inquired about Young Thug’s early days. Trontavious disclosed that when Young Thug was first known to him, he went by the name “Lil Jeff,” as Thug’s real name is Jeffrey Williams.
Steele redirected the conversation towards Young Thug’s fashion preferences, specifically addressing his inclination for tight jeans. Steele questioned Trontavious about how their community viewed Young Thug, and Stephens responded, “They accused him of being gay.”
In relation to high-profile court trials, rapper YNW Melly‘s double murder retrial has faced yet another delay, pushing the trial date back to March 2024.
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Trontavious Stephens, a member of YSL and prosecutorial witness, took the stand for two days of testimony in the YSL RICO trial in Atlanta. A “hostile witness,” Trontavious told the court he did not want to be there and that the hearing interrupted his new job driving trucks. Throughout the testimony, which began the afternoon of Jan 3rd and continued throughout January 4th, Trontavious responded to a barrage of redundant questions by State prosecutor Adriane Love.
Judge Glanville presided over the jury trial, fielding objections by defense witnesses for the six co-defendants including Jeffrey “Young Thug” Williams and Shannon Stilwell who is still recovering from a jailhouse stabbing on Dec 11th.
Fulton County Deputy DA Adriane Love began by asking Stephens about his upbringing on Cleveland Avenue and his gang affiliations. He admitted to being a member of The ROC Crew, which he asserted was a collective of young men whose affiliation was solely based upon the fact that they were all “raised on Cleveland Ave.” Love attempted to have Stephens name those persons who were members of the crew, to which Stephens said was “everyone” from the community who grew up there. Appearing bewildered by Love’s continual questioning, he stated anyone “raised on the street” would be considered a member and attempted to remember the names of his next-door neighbors.
Stephens was interrogated by Love continually for several hours during which time the 30-year-old repeatedly stated he didn’t remember many of the details of the activities of The Roc Crew, politely telling the relentless prosecutor, “It was 10-15 years ago, ma’am.” Throughout the two hours of testimony, Stephens, also known as “Tick,” appeared parched and sipped from a water bottle between objections from defense attorneys who complained that Love’s questions lacked relevance or were repetitive.
Love’s questioning of Stephens resumed on the morning of January 4th with the discussion of the origins of YSL and its affiliations with the “national Blood Gang.” Stephens admitted to being a member of the YSL after he had been introduced to gang lifestyle “while in juvenile detention.” Love then proceeded to ask Stephens to identify attributes of the blood gang including identifying hand gestures and defining what it meant to be “jumped in” or initiated by beating into the gang. Stephens admitted he had never been “jumped in” and was therefore not a real member of the gang though he bore tattoos and claimed the “Sex Money Murder” blood set.
The questioning continued with state prosecutor pummeling Stephens tediously about the night of his birthday in 2015 when he went club hopping. This was the same night that Lil Wayne’s tour bus was shot up after a performance at the Atlanta club, The Compound. YSL member, Jimmy Winfrey, a.k.a. PeeWee Roscoe, was arrested and charged in the crime but the conviction was later overturned.
Stephens shared that he, Roscoe, and other members of YSL were out ”drinking, smoking and vibing” to celebrate and hit The Compound, among other clubs that night. Love pressed Stephens to detail what was discussed in the rented black Mercedes on the 30-minute drive to the venue, to which Stephens said “I don’t recall.” Love asked him why he didn’t remember what was discussed, which Stephens said was because the events were “over 10 years ago.”
Stephens was then asked about his criminal behavior as a member of YSL, the gang. She asked him what colors were associated with YSL, to which he said “all colors.” Love then questioned Trontavious about the meaning of the term “snitching.” “It doesn’t mean anything to me,” he responded, “but I’m aware of the term” citing references in movies and pop culture.
Watch as Trontavious eludes answering the prosecutor’s question, “What is Snitching?”
Updated by Felicia Palmer on January 5th, 2024.
Day 13 of the YSL RICO Trial brought forth shocking revelations as Young Thug appeared in court, alongside Trontavius Stephens also known as “Slug,” who took the stand.
In a significant development, the YSL RICO Trial resumed on Day 13 after the holiday break, with Young Thug present in court.
The trial had been halted due to the stabbing of Thug’s co-defendant, Shannon Stillwell, while in jail. Stillwell miraculously survived four stab wounds and had been recovering in the hospital over the holidays.
Another notable event in the trial was the dismissal of an incident involving Young Thug and mall security at the Perimeter Mall in Atlanta, where an ex-employee was called to testify on Day 12, as he alleged that Young Thug had “threatened to shoot him in the face.” The incident was deemed lacking corroboration and was consequently dropped from the proceedings.
According to Infamous Sylvia, explained that the incident took place in DeKalb County and a third witness was questioned. Witness #3 was revealed to be another officer, who he claimed to have “no knowledge” of the incident.
During recent court proceedings, Trontavius Stephens, also known as Slug, provided a morning testimony regarding his affiliation with the ROC Crew, a local group from Cleveland Avenue in Atlanta. In questioning, Stephens was “elusive” and refrained from admitting any affiliation with YSL, despite admitting to being associated with the ROC Crew.
Furthermore, State Prosecutor Love inquired of Stephens about the leadership within the ROC Crew, aiming to characterize the group as a criminal enterprise. In response, Stephens asserted:
“There was no leader of the ROC Crew. No one told me what to do.”
Stephens had previously taken a plea agreement and agreed to repeat specific statements on the stand. His testimony shed light on the intricacies of gang affiliations, but he did not provide names that were relevant to the current RICO Trial case.
As the trial continues, Young Thug, facing his legal battles, has taken the opportunity to launch a clothing line called Act Normal.
Despite being behind bars, the rapper’s new venture has been teased on the brand’s Instagram account, displaying a logo accompanied by the message “Be the reason the world changes.” With an upcoming announcement on their website, fans eagerly await the official launch of Young Thug’s clothing line.
Updated By: Yasmine Duhé (1/3/23 at 5:45 pm)
As week 4 of the YSL RICO Trial commenced, it took an unexpected turn as Young Thug’s attorney, revealed discrepancies in the testimony of a mall security guard who claimed that the rapper had threatened to “shoot him in the face.” The witness faced scrutiny as he failed to recall key details and denied writing a statement that bore his allegedly forged signature.
During the cross-examination in the YSL RICO trial, Young Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel revealed discrepancies in the testimony of a mall security guard who claimed that the Atlanta rapper had threatened to “shoot him in the face.
These revelations bring into question the credibility of the security guard’s account and shed doubts on the validity of the charges against Young Thug. The witness, known as Witness #1, an ex-employee of Velour Security Services, was called to testify about an incident at the Perimeter Mall in Atlanta involving Young Thug and mall security.
He explained the mall’s hoverboard policy to two members of Thug’s entourage, emphasizing that they should not ride the hoverboards inside. Despite a conversation with his supervisor, the entourage continued to ride the hoverboards. Witness #1 escorted them outside the mall without any hostile encounters. However, he disputed the authenticity of a statement bearing his signature, adding to the mounting doubts surrounding the incident.
During the cross-examination by Attorney Steele, Witness #1’s testimony crumbled further. He clarified that the incident report was typed, not handwritten, and outlined the men’s refusal to comply with the security guards’ requests without displaying any rudeness or disrespect.
Notably, Witness #1 denied identifying anyone who had threatened his supervisor, casting doubt on the key allegation leveled against Young Thug.
The trial continued with Witness #2, a retired police officer, who responded to the threat call made by Witness #1’s supervisor. Attorney Steele focused on the events that transpired when Young Thug and his entourage were outside in a white Jaguar.
Witness #2’s testimony did not corroborate the alleged threat made toward Witness #1’s supervisor, further undermining the prosecution’s case.
A discrepancy in the officer narrative report added to the confusion, with different versions listing different offenses. The third witness, Mr. Lennihan, a police sergeant, took the stand and confirmed that he investigated the “terroristic threats” allegedly made by Young Thug at the mall on July 7, 2015.
However, his testimony did not provide any substantial evidence linking Young Thug to the alleged threats. The inconsistencies in the witnesses’ accounts presented by Young Thug’s attorney raised significant doubts about the prosecution’s version of events.
In a separate legal development, YNW Melly’s retrial in a double murder case has been postponed to February 2024, following a request from prosecutors for more time to prepare. Broward Circuit Court Judge John Murphy granted the state an additional three weeks, rescheduling the opening arguments.
Originally Written By: Felicia Palmer (1/2/23 at 2:45 pm)
The post YSL RICO Trial Day 14 & 15: Trontavious aka “Tick” Stephens Frustrates RICO Prosecutor Throughout Two-Day Marathon Testimony appeared first on SOHH.com.
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In a year packed with major events in the world of hip-hop, the trials of YNW Melly and Young Thug emerged as two of the most captivating stories. As SOHH looks back on the top 23 moments of 2023, the legal battles of these influential artists stole the spotlight at No. 8 on the countdown.
The year kicked off with the start of YNW Melly’s trial for the alleged double murder of his close companions, YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser. The trial quickly became a media frenzy, with its share of shocking revelations.
Prosecutors even faced removal mid-trial, adding to the intrigue surrounding the case. New witnesses emerged, shedding light on the events that transpired on that fateful day. The trial of YNW Melly proved to be one of the most talked-about events in the hip-hop community.
Meanwhile, the YSL trial sent shockwaves through the industry, as the iconic rapper Young Thug found himself facing a RICO charge for his entire group, YSL. However, the trial took an unexpected turn when it was postponed till January 2, 2024, due to a stabbing incident involving one of the witnesses, Sharon Stillwall, while in prison.
The YSL trial, which began in the first week of December 2023, featured numerous memorable moments. Young Thug garnered attention throughout the proceedings, accompanied by his girlfriend Mariah The Scientist, who showcased her fashion sense.
The trial gained widespread attention when the prosecution referred to Young Thug and his entourage, YSL, as a “pack of wolves,” a statement that many believed was inappropriate in a racial context.
As the year comes to a close, 2023 has been filled with unforgettable moments in the world of hip-hop. Kanye West secured the No. 9 spot in the top 23 moments of 2023, showcasing the viral and unapologetic era he experienced this year.
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The highly-anticipated YSL RICO trial involving Young Thug has taken a huge turn in progression. After a YSL defendant was stabbed in jail, presiding Judge Glanville announced that the trial would be on hold until 2024, throwing the trial into further uncertainty.
The YSL RICO trial, which involves rapper Young Thug and defendant Shannon Stillwell, has been temporarily halted until 2024. In a surprising turn of events, the trial proceedings came to a standstill after Shannon Stillwell was stabbed.
The assailant has been identified as Willie Brown, who already faces charges of Murder, Felony Murder, and Cruelty to Children In the First Degree for the murder of 10-month-old Titus Brown, where he inflicted cruel blunt force trauma to the child’s head in 2020. Stillwell, a key figure in the YSL trial, was targeted by Brown, disrupting the trial schedule.
Pending the completion of the investigation into the stabbing incident, the trial has been rescheduled to resume on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024.
This delay has left both Young Thug and Shannon Stillwell’s legal teams scrambling to adjust their strategies and prepare for a lengthier legal battle. The postponement until 2024 has left the fate of the YSL Trial uncertain. Both the prosecution and defense will now have more time to gather evidence, build their cases, and evaluate the potential implications of the delay on their strategies.
For Young Thug, who has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, this delay prolongs the uncertainty surrounding his legal future.
Updated By: Kynedei Iman Hobbs (12/12/23 at 3:00 pm)
The details of the vicious jailhouse stabbing of YSL RICO trial co-defendant Shannon Stillwell has been revealed by Fulton County investigators. SOHH.com has learned Shannon Stillwell was stabbed in the back and stomach by fellow inmate who said he was retaliating after being antagonized by Stillwell in the early hours of December 11th. An investigation is underway as to why Stillwell was outside of protective custody where he has been since being stabbed at this same jail in July 2022.
The YSL RICO trial, which has captivated the nation’s attention, was canceled immediately on Day 10. Judge Glanville released the courtroom after announcing that Shannon Stillwell, one of the defendants in the YSL trial, was stabbed overnight at the notorious Rice Street jail in Fulton County, GA.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours on Dec. 11, leading to the abrupt cancellation of court proceedings scheduled to start at 9 am at the Fulton County Courthouse. Stillwell was stabbed in his abdomen by a shank fashioned from broken metal shards at the rundown jail building. He underwent surgery for two hours and is said to be in stable condition.
Infamous Sylvia spoke exclusively with Stillwell’s wife, Tyesha Alexander, who revealed that she had spoken with her husband at just after midnight on November 11th. Moments later, she said she started to receive urgent messages that he had been stabbed. She rushed to the jail and accompanied him to Grady Hospital where he underwent a two-hour surgery.
Stillwell, accused of being the 2nd in command in the YSL criminal organization, had been in protective custody since a similar July 2022 attack. A police lieutenant informed Stillwell’s wife that they would investigate why he was exposed to the other prisoner.
The prisoner, since identified as Willie Brown, claimed he was retaliating after Stillwell antagonized him. He has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items in the stabbing.
Stillwell has been held in the Rice Street jail in Fulton County for the last sixteen months during trial proceedings. According to Infamous Sylvia, the jail has been notorious for violent incidents, disrepair, and poor inmate treatment.
The Georgia Recorder highlights severe overcrowding and deteriorating conditions at the jail. Staff from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office report that inmates can fashion makeshift weapons by accessing walls, removing broken flooring, electrical coverings, and broken pipes. It was built to hold up to 1,125 prisoners in 1989 but now occasionally tops 3,000. Known as Georgia’s most notorious lockup, the jail is under federal and state investigation.
In a separate legal case that has also garnered attention, YNW Melly’s retrial in a double murder case has been delayed until February 2024. The request for an extension by prosecutors led to the rescheduling of the opening arguments.
Originally Written By: SOHH SQUAD
The post YSL Rico Trial: Day 11 – Shannon Stillwell Stabber Is An Accused Child Killer; Trial Postponed appeared first on SOHH.com.
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The highly-anticipated YSL RICO trial involving Young Thug has taken a huge turn in progression. After a YSL defendant was stabbed in jail, presiding Judge Glanville announced that the trial would be on hold until 2024, throwing the trial into further uncertainty.
The YSL RICO trial, which involves rapper Young Thug and defendant Shannon Stillwell, has been temporarily halted until 2024. In a surprising turn of events, the trial proceedings came to a standstill after Shannon Stillwell was stabbed.
The assailant has been identified as Willie Brown, who already faces charges of Murder, Felony Murder, and Cruelty to Children In the First Degree for the murder of 10-month-old Titus Brown, where he inflicted cruel blunt force trauma to the child’s head in 2020. Stillwell, a key figure in the YSL trial, was targeted by Brown, disrupting the trial schedule.
Pending the completion of the investigation into the stabbing incident, the trial has been rescheduled to resume on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024.
This delay has left both Young Thug and Shannon Stillwell’s legal teams scrambling to adjust their strategies and prepare for a lengthier legal battle. The postponement until 2024 has left the fate of the YSL Trial uncertain. Both the prosecution and defense will now have more time to gather evidence, build their cases, and evaluate the potential implications of the delay on their strategies.
For Young Thug, who has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, this delay prolongs the uncertainty surrounding his legal future.
Updated By: Kynedei Iman Hobbs (12/12/23 at 3:00 pm)
The details of the vicious jailhouse stabbing of YSL RICO trial co-defendant Shannon Stillwell has been revealed by Fulton County investigators. SOHH.com has learned Shannon Stillwell was stabbed in the back and stomach by fellow inmate who said he was retaliating after being antagonized by Stillwell in the early hours of December 11th. An investigation is underway as to why Stillwell was outside of protective custody where he has been since being stabbed at this same jail in July 2022.
The YSL RICO trial, which has captivated the nation’s attention, was canceled immediately on Day 10. Judge Glanville released the courtroom after announcing that Shannon Stillwell, one of the defendants in the YSL trial, was stabbed overnight at the notorious Rice Street jail in Fulton County, GA.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours on Dec. 11, leading to the abrupt cancellation of court proceedings scheduled to start at 9 am at the Fulton County Courthouse. Stillwell was stabbed in his abdomen by a shank fashioned from broken metal shards at the rundown jail building. He underwent surgery for two hours and is said to be in stable condition.
Infamous Sylvia spoke exclusively with Stillwell’s wife, Tyesha Alexander, who revealed that she had spoken with her husband at just after midnight on November 11th. Moments later, she said she started to receive urgent messages that he had been stabbed. She rushed to the jail and accompanied him to Grady Hospital where he underwent a two-hour surgery.
Stillwell, accused of being the 2nd in command in the YSL criminal organization, had been in protective custody since a similar July 2022 attack. A police lieutenant informed Stillwell’s wife that they would investigate why he was exposed to the other prisoner.
The prisoner, since identified as Willie Brown, claimed he was retaliating after Stillwell antagonized him. He has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items in the stabbing.
Stillwell has been held in the Rice Street jail in Fulton County for the last sixteen months during trial proceedings. According to Infamous Sylvia, the jail has been notorious for violent incidents, disrepair, and poor inmate treatment.
The Georgia Recorder highlights severe overcrowding and deteriorating conditions at the jail. Staff from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office report that inmates can fashion makeshift weapons by accessing walls, removing broken flooring, electrical coverings, and broken pipes. It was built to hold up to 1,125 prisoners in 1989 but now occasionally tops 3,000. Known as Georgia’s most notorious lockup, the jail is under federal and state investigation.
In a separate legal case that has also garnered attention, YNW Melly’s retrial in a double murder case has been delayed until February 2024. The request for an extension by prosecutors led to the rescheduling of the opening arguments.
Originally Written By: SOHH SQUAD
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Quantavious Grier, the brother of Young Thug, was the subject of witness testimony in Day 7 of the YSL RICO trial. Officer Stephen McKesey took the stand to testify about a 2020 gun arrest during a gas station run-in.
Infamous Sylvia is embedded at the scene, providing eyewitness details of testimony in the YSL RICO trial. The trial continued on December 6th at the Fulton County Courthouse where Officer Stephen McKesey took the stand in Day 7. He described details of an incident from 2020 involving Quantavious Grier, the brother of rapper Young Thug.
McKesey’s testimony began with a contentious atmosphere, as Judge Glanville exhibited a strict approach towards the defense attorneys. The judge sustained objections, leading to speculation about potential favoritism towards the prosecution.
The spotlight was firmly on Officer McKesey, who proceeded to recount an incident involving Grier at a gas station during his off-duty hours in 2020. McKesey proceeded to describe the incident that prompted his intervention.
While off-duty, he said he observed an altercation involving Grier and another individual at a gas station. Concerned, McKesey stepped in and said he noticed blood on one of the individuals’ shirts. He assumed a scuffle had taken place and called for backup. Grier was arrested that night on charges of possessing a stolen firearm.
He testified that Grier was wearing a red sweatshirt and that he saw a gun in Grier’s car. However, these crucial details were absent from McKesey’s original police report which undermined the veracity of his testimony. The officer also failed to mention any gang activity or affiliation in his report.
While on the stand, McKesey was asked if he could identify Quantavious Grier in the courtroom. He said he had spotted Grier earlier the same day at the Fulton County Courthouse.
The defense attorney for Huey questioned McKesey about Grier’s presence in the courtroom. The officer testified that he had seen him earlier in the morning but claimed not to see him at that moment.
McKesey, struggling to identify Grier in the courtroom, noted a resemblance between Grier and one of the young Black men sitting in court, saying, “they look alike.” Quantavious Grier was not present in the courtroom as he is currently incarcerated.
Courtwatchers online grumbled that the comment was racist and even questioned the officer’s job competence.
Meanwhile, Young Thug made a stylish appearance in the courtroom, dressed in an all-cream ensemble. His girlfriend, Mariah The Scientist, was absent during the morning session but is expected to attend the evening phase, where four more witnesses are anticipated to testify.
Updated By: Kynedei Iman Hobbs (12/6/23 at 3:50 pm)
Day 6 of the YSL RICO trial was marked by the testimonies of four new witnesses at the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta. Assistant Prosecutor Simone Hilton stepped in for Prosecutor Adriane Love, while Young Thug demonstrated affection towards his loved ones in the courtroom. As the state tries to build its case, questions about its preparedness linger. Here is a recap of the day’s events.
The day began with the presence of Infamous Sylvia, covering the trial that has captivated the attention of many.
Hilton, the assistant to Prosecutor Love, wielded her expertise to conduct witness examinations in Love’s absence. Throughout the day, four witnesses, including three officers and a representative from the forensics department, took the stand to share their testimonies.
One of the officers provided insights into the K9 unit, highlighting the dog’s certification and its role at the crime scene. Meanwhile, Sylvia recalled the involvement of an ex-defendant, BB, who was initially one of the defendants in the case before taking a plea deal due to complications with his attorney.
Currently serving time in jail for a separate crime, BB hopes to receive a positive review from the parole board after serving at least 85% of his sentence. Another significant case that involved the ex-defendant was surveilled with marijuana in a 2015 case.
This incident coincided with the involvement of the K9 unit, and the evidence was even captured on Instagram Live. A locked car containing 17 ounces of marijuana, drugs, and paraphernalia was discovered during the surveillance.
As the trial progressed, Young Thug, or Jeffery Williams, was seen in court interacting with his loved ones. Despite his mother’s absence on this particular day, his father and Mariah The Scientist were by his side.
Williams and Mariah complemented each other’s attire, with Mariah donning a vested pinstripe suit and clear heels. Affectionate gestures, including eyewinks, whispers of “I love you,” and air kisses, were exchanged between Williams, his mother, and Mariah.
The upcoming evening sessions are expected to display footage of the body camera footage from the night Williams was arrested, adding to the intrigue surrounding the trial. While the state continues to face questions about its level of preparedness, the case moves forward with more witness statements expected from additional officers.
Updated by Kynedi Hobbs on August 5th 2023
On Day 5 of the YSL RICO trial, the defense scored a win as they crushed the prosecution’s witnesses in cross-examination. However, it was Young Thug’s fashion choice that stole the spotlight.
Young Thug, real name Jeffery Williams, appeared in good spirits on Monday, Dec. 5, as he sat with his legal team on Day 5 of the YSL RICO trial.
The incarcerated rapper, who revealed a new acronym for his name in Week 1, wore a luxurious $1,200 chocolate brown Dior sweater with a wolf image on the front. Fans speculated that he was subtly trolling the State Prosecutor, who had referred to him as the “leader of the wolf pack” in her opening statements.
Mariah the Scientist, Young Thug’s girlfriend, again sat for the courtroom hearing. Always giving fashion looks, she wore a $2,000 pair of brown leather D2Squared Skate Moss shoes with her hair pulled back into a ponytail and a black velvet bow.
The To Be Eaten Alive artist told SOHH reporter Infamous Sylvia exclusively that she picks out the court looks for Young Thug and that the brown wolf sweater, though a subliminal shot, was purely coincidental.
Three police officers and a crime scene tech were called to testify, but it was Sgt Charles Ross who drew attention with his “cocky” demeanor and eye-rolling as he left the stand.
The state presented evidence of a 2013 carjacking crime committed by Trontavious Stephens, a separate defendant in the RICO case. Stephens was found with marijuana and a stolen car containing a gun and distribution paraphernalia, leading to felony charges.
While the jury seemed bored at times, the defense team was relentless in their cross-examination of the state’s witnesses.
In a calculated defense strategy, attorneys for the defense aggressively rebutted and questioned the police witnesses, exposing flaws in their testimonies and highlighting the absence of gang-related records for the 2013 crime.
The defense’s tag team approach, featuring attorneys from multiple co-defendants, effectively crushed the state’s witnesses in cross-examination.
Court watchers have raised concerns about the leniency shown to the state prosecution by Judge Glanville. Despite multiple instances of unpreparedness, the judge has not reprimanded the state. As the trial progresses, five additional police officers are slated to testify the following day, which promises further drama and intense legal battles.
The YSL RICO trial had a rough start last week with live testimony from the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta. Young Thug was seated in the courtroom with his lawyers, co-defendants, and supporters.
A pic of his girlfriend, Mariah The Scientist, went viral as the songstress made fashionable appearances each day, including a twinning moment with her boo on Day 3. Moreover, Judge Glanville deflected several mistrial motions as the prosecution struggled through opening statements and an eyebrow-raising “jungle” analogy.
Defense attorneys captivated the mostly female jury with a poverty narrative explaining the rough life growing up for the six men on “Bleveland Avenue” in Atlanta. State witnesses included a “gang expert” who decoded hand symbols and a former strip club “house mother.”
Contrary to popular belief, Steel announced that name was an acronym for “Truly Humble Under God,” showcasing a new perspective on his artist persona. Further testimonies shed light on the relationship between Young Thug and his co-defendants.
Steel, who testified for almost two hours, sought to distinguish and sever the rappers’ connection to the crimes of his co-defendants. He explained that, though they all came from the same area, Thug didn’t “know” the defendants.
Other rappers in legal trouble for racketeering include Casanova who faced a setback in pursuing freedom as a federal court ruling rejected his plea for compassionate release. Despite expressing remorse and distancing himself from the gang, the Brooklyn rapper’s quest for an early prison release remains unsuccessful, prolonging his sentence.
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The YSL Rico Trial is underway, and the opening day saw the defense attempting to receive a mistrial.
According to court reporter Jewel Wicker, Young Thug’s attorney Brian Steel, noted the prosecution had “intentional misconduct” by not providing “all of their displays and opening statements,” which were previously requested by the judge.
“Three weeks ago, you ordered the parties to share all of their displays and opening statement to the others so we don’t have to have these interruptions. I did that,” Steel said. “The state shared with me four attachments. That’s all they had. That’s what I got.”
The mistrial was denied. You can watch the moment below courtesy of 11 Alive.
The post The YSL Trial: Defense Attorney’s Push for Mistrial Denied on Day One first appeared on The Source.
The post The YSL Trial: Defense Attorney’s Push for Mistrial Denied on Day One appeared first on The Source.
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Jeffrey “Young Thug” Williams and five co-defendants faced opening statements in the YSL trial on Monday, Nov. 27. In an eyebrow-raising moment, the state prosecutor referred to YSL members as animals, calling Thug “the leader of the wolfpack.”
Young Thug, his five co-defendants, Judge Glanville, and a diverse jury where enpaneled on Day 1 of what is expected to be a high-stakes courtroom showdown. Infamous Sylvia, who has covered the courtroom action since proceedings began, provided first-hand accounts to SOHH.
The families of the accused were in attendance, along with record executive Kevin Liles, and Thug’s girlfriend, Mariah The Scientist. The “Spread Thin” singer has shown support throughout the YSL case since Thugger was initially indicted on RICO charges. She has publicly worn “Free Thugger” T-shirts at her concerts and broadcast displays that state “Free YSL.”
Kevin Liles testified to Young Thug’s character during early hearings, telling the court “I’m willing to back him personally and professionally.” He spoke to Infamous Sylvia about the racial biases present in the state’s prosecution. Comparing the treatment of rap artists with that of rock artists, he said “if this were rockstars on trial, we wouldn’t be here.”
The prosecution aimed to paint the narrative that YSL is a criminal organization, with Young Thug as its leader. The state has prepared a case with song lyrics as evidence along with testimony by over 200 witnesses.
State prosecutor Adriane Love opened with a shaky start. Defense attorneys immediately pointed out misleading and inaccurate information in her presentation.
The defense also raised complaints about the prosecution’s failure to submit required documents for the opening statements. This led to a motion for a mistrial which the judge denied. The prosecution was given additional time to submit the documents, causing a delay in the proceedings.
In an inflammatory moment in her presentation, Love referred to Young Thug as “the leader of the wolf pack,” seeking to tie him to various crimes allegedly committed by YSL members. Young Thug, visibly offended, maintained a stoic demeanor as Love made a derogatory reference to Disney’s The Jungle Book.
Among the co-defendants, Rodalius Ryan’s case is being reviewed by an appeals court, where a witness has disputed his involvement with YSL. Marquavius Huey has been charged with theft and other criminal activities.
Diamonte Kendrick, known as Yak Gotti, faces pending murder charges while already serving time for a separate case. Shannon Stillwell, considered a “top commander” for YSL, is also being charged with murders. Quantavious Nichols, charged with murder as well, allegedly participated in a shooting alongside Stillwell.
Young Thug is charged with leading the alleged criminal organization. The prosecution intends to present song lyrics as evidence to support their claims that he is the head of the racketeering group.
Judge Glanville said he would allow the lyrics to be used “conditionally” after prosecutors argued a motion on Nov. 8, in the Fulton County Courtroom to use lyrical evidence that YSL, is an organized criminal enterprise engaged in violent crime with Young Thug at the helm.
Prosecutors presented a deck containing seventeen (17) song lyrics referencing acts of violence, criminal activities, and allegiance to their crew.
Songs like “BAD BOYS,” featuring Juice WRLD and Young Thug are being used as lyrical evidence against YSL to show the nature of the activities of the criminal enterprise. Lyrics are also being presented to imply Young Thug’s involvement as the leader. In the song “Who” with Future and Young Thug, he raps:
“I’m at the top with bro though. Ooh, head honcho, hold up, kick in your mom door, shoot with the .44.”
These lyrics potentially implicate Young Thug as the leader of the alleged “YSL Gang” and suggest a willingness to engage in violent acts.
Young Thug has been imprisoned since May 2022 when he and fellow rapper Gunna were two of 28 people indicted in Georgia on conspiracy to violate the RICO Act.
The YSL members were named in a RICO indictment for murder, assault, robbery, and more. According to media reports, locals say the crackdown was a long time coming.
In August 2022, District Attorney Fanni Wllis, who was presiding over Young Thug and Gunna’s case, stated her intention to use lyrics in their criminal case. Gunna finally went home after being released from Fulton County Jail on Dec. 14. His sentence was commuted to time served following his guilty plea in the RICO case.
Over the following fifteen months, 22 defendants would be released or plead out of the case.
In a separate case, rapper YNW Melly’s retrial in a double murder case has been pushed to February 2024. This comes after a request from prosecutors, delaying the opening arguments.
The post YSL Trial Day 1: Young Thug Slammed As “Leader of Wolf Pack” appeared first on SOHH.com.
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