YNW Bortlen is staring down a huge decision in his ongoing case connected to the 2018 murders of Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams and Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr.
On September 4, prosecutors in Broward County, Florida offered him a plea deal that would erase two first-degree murder charges if he pleads no contest to six other counts, including accessory after the fact, conspiracy, witness tampering, and gang-related activity.
Under the deal, Bortlen would serve 16 years and three months in prison, with credit for time already spent behind bars. The sentences would run concurrently—cutting down the decades of prison time he could otherwise face. If he rejects it, he risks multiple life sentences if convicted at trial.
Judge Martin S. Fein reviewed the agreement in court, making it clear that the decision rests solely with Bortlen and his legal team. “This is a business decision between you, your lawyers, and the state,” Fein said, stressing there was no pressure from the court to take the deal.
Bortlen is expected to reveal his choice at a September 9 hearing. If he turns it down, jury selection for his trial will kick off the very next day.
The case has kept national eyes locked in for years because of its connection to rapper YNW Melly, who prosecutors claim fired the shots that killed his two crew members. Authorities allege Bortlen drove the victims to a secluded location where Melly carried out the shooting, then helped stage the aftermath to look like a drive-by.
Melly has been sitting in Broward County Jail since 2019. His first double murder trial ended in a mistrial, and his retrial has now been pushed all the way to January 2027. Just last month, a federal judge rejected his bid for release, ruling that his extended detention still falls within the law.
For deeper insight into Melly, Bortlen, and the entire case, check out Complex’s podcast Infamous: The Story of YNW Melly, hosted by Ace Hood.
