Nearly six years behind bars without a conviction – that’s the reality for rapper YNW Melly.

Born Jamell Maurice Demons, YNW Melly rose to fame in 2018 with his hit single “Murder on My Mind,” a haunting track that would later take on a chilling significance.

The 25-year-old Florida rapper became a household name in the hip-hop world with his melodic vocals and storytelling ability.

But his meteoric rise came to a screeching halt in February 2019 when he was arrested for the alleged murder of two of his closest friends and fellow YNW collective members.

What started as a promising music career has turned into one of the longest pre-trial detentions in recent memory.

Here’s everything you need to know about YNW Melly’s ongoing legal battle and how long he’s been locked up.

How Long Was YNW Melly in Jail For?

YNW Melly has been in jail since February 13, 2019, when he was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

That means he’s been locked up for nearly six and a half years now. The rapper, whose real name is Jamell Demons, has spent the last six and a half years in prison without being convicted of any crime.

His initial arrest date was February 13, 2019. As of late 2024, that’s approximately 5 years and 10 months of incarceration. The length keeps growing because his retrial keeps getting pushed back.

YNW Melly’s Arrest and Murder Charges Explained

The charges against YNW Melly are at the center of why he remains in jail. Prosecutors have outlined their case with the following claims:

• Double Murder Allegation: He is accused of killing two of his friends, Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams, in 2018.

• Premeditation: The state argues the act was planned in advance, making the charges first-degree murder.

• Cover-Up Theory: Prosecutors allege the crime scene was staged to look like a drive-by shooting in order to mislead investigators.

• Severity of Charges: Because of the nature of these accusations, Melly was not granted bond and has stayed in custody ever since.

Why YNW Melly Remained in Jail Without Bail?

Several factors explain why Melly has remained locked up for so long. First, he was denied bail multiple times.

On September 22, 2023, Broward Circuit Judge John Murphy declined to grant the rapper bond as he awaited a new trial. The severity of the charges – first-degree murder with potential death penalty – made bail unlikely.

The case also faced significant delays. In January 2024, the trial was put on hold indefinitely after a judge’s ruling to suppress a promotional video about Melly’s life from evidence prompted prosecutors to file an appeal.

COVID-19 pandemic restrictions also contributed to court delays in 2020-2021.

Legal challenges kept piling up. Defense motions, prosecution appeals, and evidence disputes stretched the timeline significantly. Each delay meant more time in jail without resolution.

YNW Melly Murder Trial

After years of delays, Melly’s first trial finally began in 2023. The proceedings were closely watched due to the high-profile nature of the case and the potential death penalty outcome.

Trial timeline and key events:

• Jury selection: Started on April 11, 2023
• Trial start: Began on June 12, 2023
• Death penalty: The prosecution sought the death penalty throughout the proceedings
• Trial duration: Lasted approximately one month
• Jury deliberation: Extended over 14 hours across three days
• Allen charge: The Judge gave additional instructions, urging a unanimous decision
• Final outcome: Judge John Murphy declared a mistrial on July 22, 2023

The jury remained deadlocked with a 9-to-3 vote in favor of a conviction on the lesser offenses of manslaughter.

Despite extended deliberations and judicial guidance, they couldn’t reach the unanimous verdict required under Florida law. This hung jury meant the entire process would need to start over with a new trial.

Current Status of YNW Melly’s Case

Recent developments have given Melly’s team some hope for his release. Judge Melissa Damian has given authorities until December 6 to explain why he should remain behind bars; otherwise, the rapper could be freed on bail until trial.

This stems from a lawsuit about his jail conditions. His legal team claims he hasn’t been permitted to make a single phone call or have a visit with family in over three years. They argue these conditions violate constitutional rights.

The retrial timeline keeps extending. Originally scheduled for September 2025, it’s now pushed to January 2027. This means Melly could spend nearly eight years in jail before getting his day in court again.

What’s Next for YNW Melly?

The rapper faces several critical upcoming developments that will determine his future:

Immediate timeline:

• December 6 deadline: Judge’s decision on his release petition based on jail conditions lawsuit
• Potential bail: Could be temporarily freed if authorities can’t justify continued detention
• January 2027: Currently scheduled retrial date (subject to further delays)

Possible outcomes:

• If convicted: Life without parole or potentially the death penalty
• Death penalty significance: Could be among the first under Florida’s new non-unanimous death penalty law
• If acquitted: Complete freedom after nearly eight years behind bars
• Another mistrial: Would likely mean additional delays and continued incarceration

The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Melly gains temporary freedom or continues waiting behind bars for his day in court.

Bottom Line

YNW Melly’s case is far from over, and his story continues to unfold in real time.

With nearly six years already spent behind bars and potentially two more years until his retrial, this case highlights serious questions about the American justice system.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just learning about his situation, one thing is clear – this young rapper’s life hangs in the balance. His December 6 deadline for the release petition could change everything.

Will he finally taste freedom after all these years, or will he remain locked up until 2027?

Only time will tell, but his story serves as a powerful reminder that in the world of criminal justice, nothing is guaranteed.

Stay tuned for updates as this unprecedented case continues to develop.