For the last year and a bit, Florida rapper YNW Melly has been waiting behind bars for his double murder trial to begin. He has been accused of pulling the trigger on two of his close friends, YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy. The recording artist revealed that he had been infected by COVID-19 while incarcerated, using his positive test as an excuse to get him sent home. Detailing his dramatic weight loss and claiming that he’s perishing away in jail, YNW Melly’s legal team is trying hard to get him free. However, the families of his alleged victims aren’t exactly open to seeing him come back home.

According to new legal documents obtained by TMZ, the family of Christopher Thomas, one of YNW Melly’s alleged victims, says that the rapper should not be let out of jail because they believe he will be a threat to them and other witnesses. The family notes how difficult it has been to see streaming services continue to promote two songs that are believed to reference the killings: “Murder on my Mind” and “Two Face.”

Broward’s Sheriff’s Office Getty Images

The family of Anthony Williams, another alleged victim of YNW Melly, is on board with keeping the star behind bars as well.

“While our firm and the family of Anthony Williams’ sympathize with anyone affected by COVID-19, we do not believe this justifies pretrial release. He needs to remain in custody until a jury decides his fate,” they state their lawyer.

Do you think coronavirus is enough to free YNW Melly?

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Ever since early last year, YNW Melly and his friend YNW Bortlen, real names Jamell Demons and Cortlen Malik Henry, have been in jail on double murder charges. The two rappers allegedly killed their friends before bringing them to the emergency room and claiming that they were targeted in a drive-by shooting. That much has not been proven yet as we await their trials to begin. On Wednesday morning, both men were present for a court hearing and more insight was offered on the status of their case.

According to sources inside the courtroom, there is not much of an update regarding YNW Melly’s freedom but his associate may be heading home soon. 

“The proof against Mr. Henry isn’t that strong. My client is not guilty, period,” said YNW Bortlen’s attorney ahead of Wednesday’s hearing.

Melly and Bortlen were quietly interacting with their family and friends, who were at the hearing. Melly’s mother, younger brother, grandfather, and friends were all in attendance, rocking iced-out YNW chains. The 20-year-old was reportedly happy throughout, smiling at his loved ones.

Broward’s Sheriff’s Office Getty Images

His mother was also warned to be more vigilant about what she posts online and says to reporters, noting that her past interactions could potentially have been costly. “They are watching you like a hawk,” said lead attorney Stuart Adelstein to Melly’s mom.

YNW Melly previously teased his own jail release by sharing Friday’s date on his social pages without much explanation. It turns out that he was simply promoting the release of his “Suicidal” remix with Juice WRLD.

We will keep you updated on all potential happenings in the case.

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The former attorney for YNW Melly, Bradford Cohen, won’t be representing the “Suicidal” rapper in the double-murder casebut reviewing the evidence in the case has given him insight on the outcome. Taking to Instagram, Cohen, who’s currently representing fellow incarcerated Florida rapper Kodak Black, shared his theory on what the verdict will be.

“This will be a very interesting trial, I am not longer representing Melly in this matter, but I predict a not guilty based on all the evidence I have reviewed. He has some very fine attorneys that I believe will be able to secure a favorable verdict. I also think that bond will be granted given the weakness of the evidence. Never rush to judgment in cases until you see everything,” Bradford Cohen stated on in his Instagram post. 

As his career began to catch steam, YNW Melly was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in relation to the deaths of two of his friends in 2017. Investigators later concluded that YNW Melly and YNW Bortlan killed the two men and attempted to cover it up as a drive-by shooting. Melly is currently behind bars and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Even though he’s behind bars, he’s continued to maintain a successful career. We’ll keep you posted on any more information on YNW Melly’s case.