Photo: Getty Images
YNW Melly will remain in jail for the time being after a judge opted to defer his ruling on bail to a later time.
The Florida rapper's attorneys recently attempted to get Melly, born Jamell Demons, released from jail on bond ahead of his 2027 double-murder retrial. Demons is facing two murder charges for the deaths of his friends Christopher Thomas, Jr., and Anthony Williams. During a hearing held last Thursday, the defense argued that Demons will do everything to comply with all bail conditions if he's released eight months before the trial. However, the judge deferred his ruling, which means he will issue his decision at a later date.
According to NBC 6, the defense assured the judge that Demons' entire family would assist in making sure he follows all rules while on bail. They set up a separate home in Broward County to accommodate 24-hour supervision and other requirements, including limited movement and zero access to social media. Family members, including Demons' grandmother Audrey Gross, testified about the rapper's lengthy incarceration and how it impacted them.
“It broke my heart not being able to communicate, just to hear his voice, it was very difficult," said Mrs. Gross.
Demons is scheduled to face his second double-murder trial in January 2027. It's expected to occur eight years after he was first arrested and jailed for murder and other charges. The "Mixed Personalities" rapper was 19 when he was apprehended. He faced his first trial in 2023, which ended in a mistrial after the jury couldn't reach a unanimous verdict. He was denied bail several times since the first trial and his most recent hearing. Now 27, Demons recently spent his eighth birthday behind bars.
During his bail hearing, prosecutors announced they had dropped their other charges against Demons. He previously faced charges like tampering with a witness, directing activities of a criminal gang, criminal solicitation to commit murder, and conspiracy to tamper with a witness on a capital felony. If convicted on the remaining murder charges, the state could pursue the death penalty.