Nearly six years behind bars without a conviction, that is 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.
His meteoric rise came to a screeching halt 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 is everything you need to know about YNW Melly’s ongoing legal battle, including his arrest date, how long Melly has been in jail, why he has not been released, and what comes next.
When Was YNW Melly Arrested?
YNW Melly was arrested on February 13, 2019, in Florida. He was taken into custody and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Prosecutors allege the charges stem from the 2018 deaths of two of his friends and fellow YNW members, Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams.
That arrest date, February 13, 2019, marks the beginning of his ongoing incarceration, since he has not been granted bond at any point since being taken into custody.
How Long Was YNW Melly in Jail For?
If you are wondering how long YNW Melly was in jail, the answer starts with one key detail: he has been in custody since February 13, 2019.
As of late 2024, that is nearly six years of incarceration, with the total continuing to grow as the case timeline keeps getting pushed back.
The ongoing delays have sparked continued interest in how long Melly has been in jail, as his case remains unresolved.
YNW Melly’s Arrest and Murder Charges Explained
The charges against YNW Melly are central the 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 a 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 and 2021.
Legal challenges kept piling up. Defense motions, prosecution appeals, and evidence disputes significantly stretched the timeline. 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 could not 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.
If they cannot justify continued detention, the rapper could be freed on bail until trial.
This stems from a lawsuit about his jail conditions. His legal team claims he has not 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.
As public attention continues to follow other major criminal cases, including updates surrounding the Rex Heuermann murder trial proceedings, Melly’s prolonged incarceration has become part of a broader conversation about delays in the justice system.
The retrial timeline keeps extending. Originally scheduled for September 2025, it is now pushed to January 2027. This means Melly could spend close to 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 the jail conditions lawsuit
- Potential bail: Could be temporarily freed if authorities cannot 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 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 remains unresolved, and his legal battle continues to unfold.
While public attention often shifts to other high-profile trials, such as Donna Adelson’s ongoing trial, Melly’s situation raises important questions about the justice system, particularly how long a person can be incarcerated without conviction.
If you’re wondering how long Melly has been in jail, his detention began on February 13, 2019, and has now stretched for nearly six years.
His future remains uncertain, with a retrial scheduled for January 2027. The outcome of this case will ultimately shape Melly’s life, but the path forward is still unclear.
Stay tuned for updates as this unprecedented case continues to develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is YNW Bortlen, and What Is His Role in The Case?
YNW Bortlen (Cortlen Henry) is Melly’s co-defendant, also charged in the double murder case. He faces similar charges and is being tried separately from Melly.
What Evidence Does the Prosecution Have Against YNW Melly?
The prosecution relies on forensic evidence showing interior vehicle shots, cell phone records, gunshot residue, and witness testimony. The defense disputes the reliability of this evidence.
How Old Was YNW Melly when He Was Arrested, and How Old Is He Now?
Melly was 19 years old at his February 2019 arrest. Born May 1, 1999, he is now 25, having spent his entire early adulthood incarcerated.
What Jail Is YNW Melly Being Held In?
YNW Melly is detained at Broward County Jail in Florida, where he has remained throughout his pre-trial detention since February 2019, facing reported harsh conditions.
Can YNW Melly Still Release Music from Jail?
Yes, Melly continues releasing music while incarcerated. Multiple songs and projects have dropped during his detention, though the recording process is significantly more challenging from jail.
