YNW Melly is asking a Broward County judge to approve a change in his defense team ahead of his double murder retrial.
The 26-year-old Florida rapper says prosecutors forced his hand by investigating one of his attorneys, according to the Sun Sentinel.
Melly (born Jamell Demons) faces retrial on two counts of first-degree murder. He was pressured to part ways with his longtime lawyer, Raven Liberty, after news broke that she was being investigated for alleged witness tampering in his case.
Though Liberty hasn’t been charged, Melly kept her on until earlier this month, when his retrial was pushed back to 2027.
“The state has been unwilling to share any information as to the nature of the investigation,” his outgoing attorneys wrote in a motion, per Sun Sentinel. “An attorney being under criminal investigation by the same prosecutorial body would constitute a conflict of interest.”
Attorney Jamie Benjamin, who is also leaving the case, said Melly’s decision was in his best interest but noted it stripped him of his right to retain counsel of his choice—something that could be raised on appeal if convicted.
Melly’s new legal team will be led by veteran criminal defense attorney Carrie Haughwout, the former Palm Beach County Public Defender, along with Atlanta lawyer Drew Findling, known for representing Cardi B, Shaquille O’Neal, Dennis Rodman, and Donald Trump.
The rapper is accused of killing his childhood friends Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams and Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. in October 2018, murders prosecutors allege were partly tied to gang activity. If found guilty, he faces either life in prison or the death penalty.
Another member of the crew, Cortlen “YNW Bortlen” Henry, is scheduled to stand trial next month. He’s accused of driving the Jeep where the shootings happened and helping stage them to look like a drive-by. Henry faces charges of first-degree murder and accessory after the fact, though unlike Melly, he isn’t facing the death penalty.
Melly’s first trial in 2023 ended in a hung jury, and the retrial has since been clouded by accusations of misconduct from both the prosecution and defense.
Judge Martin Fein has not yet set a date to decide on Melly’s request to switch lawyers.
For more on Melly’s case and career, check out Complex’s podcast Infamous: The Story of YNW Melly, hosted by Ace Hood.
