A Broward judge has ruled a mistrial in YNW Melly’s double murder case after the jury failed to reach a unanimous decision after 19 days of arguing and almost two days of deliberations.
YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, is facing two first-degree murder charges for the 2018 killings of Anthony Williams, 21, and Christopher Thomas, 19 in Miramar.
Demons, 24, has pleaded not guilty and faces a possible death sentence if convicted.
Judge John Murphy declared a mistrial in the case after jurors couldn’t agree on a verdict. This means Melly would have to withstand another trial.
“You gave us the time and you put your best effort to see if you could bring this case to a resolution, unfortunately, it wasn’t able to happen but I want to thank you again for your time and consideration of the case,” Murphy told jurors after declaring the mistrial.
The 12-member panel could not reach a unanimous verdict after three days of deliberations. Broward County prosecutors, who had been seeking the death penalty, will likely choose to retry the case with a new jury. A unanimous verdict is required to convict or acquit a defendant.
Prosecutors said the shooting was part of a gang action, while defense attorneys said that claim lacks credibility because Demons and the victims were close friends.
How does that apply to YNW Melly? Well, since the jury failed to deliver a verdict, he still has not been convicted or acquitted of any crime, hence, the retrial does not qualify as double jeopardy.
Jury selection will begin Oct. 2 in the retrial of the Melly.
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