Young Thug trial derailed after juror faces exposed: Live

The hotly-anticipated trial of the rapper Young Thug is underway in a courtroom in Atlanta, Georgia, following almost a year of delays.

In May 2022, Young Thug, real name Jeffery Williams, was arrested and charged in a sprawling RICO indictment along with 27 other defendants.

Fulton County District attorney Fani Willis – who is using the same law to prosecute Donald Trump in his Georgia election interference case – accused the suspects of being part of a criminal street gang named YSL or “Young Slime Life.”

According to prosecutors, the gang is responsible for a series of violent crimes, including murders, shootings, carjackings and racketeering.

Young Thug has denied the accusations and insisted that YSL is simply Young Thug’s record label – Young Stoner Life.

After several defendants took plea deals or had their cases severed, the Grammy Award-winning rapper and five others are finally on trial.

The first expert witness testified on Wednesday. Detective Mark Belknap was frequently interrupted by objections from the defence, but managed to explain his discovery of YSL, which he described as a street gang, and told the jurors about the group’s identifiers.

The trial was hit by yet another delay after an “inadvertent recording” of some jurors in the front row, the judge said.

Key points

Wednesday 29 November 2023 22:45 , Kelly Rissman

A ‘studio gangster’ defined by the witness

Detective Belknap said the term is used when someone “takes on the persona” of being violent when entering the studio, but may not be in real life.

He said calling someone that is a “slur” and a “huge sign of disrespect” to those actually involved in a criminal gang.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 22:42 , Kelly Rissman

The court recesses for the evening

Mr Belknap was temporarily dismissed as the defence deferred cross-examination for now.

They are expected to start tomorrow at 9.30am.

The judge also said the court will not be in session on Friday, but will reconvene on Monday, 4 December at 9am.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 22:22 , Kelly Rissman

Music and gangs

“Before, we didn’t see the kind of overt gang references in music to the extent that we do now,” Mr Belknap said, adding that they directly reference their own gang and their rivals more than previously.

He said he’s come across lyrics that are “explicitly and directly” related to the crimes they’ve committed. “We even today have some of our gangs that will go into the studio tonight and make a song about the shooting they did that afternoon,” the detective said.

When asked about how a gang promotes themselves through music, the detective said music “can be a way for the gang to talk about what they’re doing…and establish who they are, what they do, and what’s going to happen to people if they go against them.”

Wednesday 29 November 2023 22:15 , Kelly Rissman

Social media usage

“How have gang members traditionally used social media to elevate their status or represent their gang?” Prosecutor Adriane Love asked.

Detective Belknap said gang members have posted photos wearing particular clothing associated with a gang or other hand signs, and also posted captions representing their gangs.

He also said that posting on social media to intimidate someone who could be a witness to a crime or posting “overt threats.”

Wednesday 29 November 2023 21:54 , Kelly Rissman

The show goes on

“Due to some security issues,” relating to the “inadvertent recording of some of our jurors in the front row,” the judge asked the media to stop filming the detective.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 21:40 , Kelly Rissman

Drama after jurors’ faces captured on camera

Photos, as captured by one of the streaming services, revealed jurors’ faces. Now some social media accounts are reposting that snapshot.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 21:30 , Kelly Rissman

Update on an ever-delayed trial

YSL trial: Judge Glanville is meeting w/ all of the attorneys in chambers. Something’s going on

— Shaddi Abusaid (@ShaddiAbusaid) November 29, 2023

Wednesday 29 November 2023 21:17 , Kelly Rissman

What has happened today at the YSL trial?

Detective Mark Belknap took the stand. He is a detective in the Atlanta Police Department’s gang unit.

Mr Belknap started the morning by discussing gangs generally and how he has identified them, like through tattoos, symbols, and other communications.

In the afternoon, the detective testified that YSL is a gang. He clarified that “Young Stoner Life” is not the same entity as “Young Slime Life.”

He also gave insight into YSL, saying it was founded in late 2012, has over 100 members and associates, who often wear red and green bandanas and use the abbreviation “SLATT,” which stands for “slime life all the time” and frequently post snake emojis on social media.

The defence has made a number of objections, frequently interrupting the witness, but most of them were not sustained.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 21:00 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: What Young Thug’s lawyer has said

The topic of the origins of YSL also came up. Mr Steel argued that “YSL” stemmed from the “YSL” logo on Yves Saint Laurent pants, coming in sharp contrast to the prosecution’s claim that YSL is a criminal enterprise that stands for “Young Slime Life.”

Mr Steel has also described the lyrics, a pressure point of this case, as being “art” and part of the rapper’s “freedom of speech.” Yesterday, Ms Love portrayed the lyrics as bearing “a very eerie significance to real life.”

Other lawyers made their opening remarks, telling the jurors that their clients were not guilty.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 20:45 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: What happened on Monday

The trial began nearly an hour and a half behind schedule because a juror was late.

The prosecutor, Adriane Love, was finally able to begin her opening statements — but was stopped a few times with objections. Defence attorney Brian Steel made three objections to her opening statement, all of which were sustained.

The trial then came to a screeching halt when the jury was asked to leave the room and the defence team said that Ms Love hadn’t provided certain Powerpoint slides, which she was presenting to the jury, to the defence ahead of the trial, prompting Mr Steel to motion for a mistrial. The motion was denied.

After the court returned from lunch, the judge snapped at attorneys from both sides for having “wasted two hours.”

Finally, Ms Love resumed her opening statement.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 20:30 , Kelly Rissman

A notable exchange

Prosecutor Adriane Love asked the expert witness, “In your opinion, Young Slime Life is a criminal street gang?”

Detective Mark Belknap replied: Yes ma’am.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 20:15 , Kelly Rissman

YSL’s ties to other gangs, according to an expert witness

30 Deep gang was based in the Mechanicsville neighbourhood and consisted of over 100 members, according to the detective. This gang was affiliated with YSL, ROC, and Goodfellas gangs, Detective Belknap added.

He said 30 Deep was identifiable by its distinctive hand signs, red bandanas, graffiti, and tattoos.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 20:00 , Kelly Rissman

Detective discusses YSL identifiers

Mr Belknap discussed some identifiers often associated with YSL, which he called a street gang.

He described a hand sign that depicts the letters Y, S, and L with fingers. The detective also talked about another hand sign in which one’s index finger sits under one’s nose.

He also said certain tattoos and clothes, like a hoodie or a hat that includes “Slime” on it.

The word “SLATT,” which apparently stands for “slime life all the time,” is often seen in graffiti and tattoos.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 19:40 , Kelly Rissman

Detective laid out roots of YSL

Detective Belknap described what he discovered about YSL:

it was founded in late 2012
it has over 100 members and associates
many YSL members previously claimed to be members of ROC crew
it used red and green bandanas
“SLATT” [ slime life all the time] and snake emojis were often used by its members and assoicates
its sometimes referred to the group as “Rudy Gang” after a member who died named Rudy
a rivalry between Inglewood Family gang, which Donovan Thomas was allegedly a part of
he said “Young Stoner Life” is not the same entity as “Young Slime Life”

Wednesday 29 November 2023 19:30 , Kelly Rissman

Who are the 28 codefendants?

Kahlieff Adams A/K/A Bobby Hunt
Martinez Arnold A/K/A Duke
Derontae Bebee A/K/A Bee A/K/A B
Damone Blalock A/K/A Bali
Javaris Bradford A/K/A Tuda‘
Justin Cobb A/K/A Duwap
Cordarius Dorsey A/K/A Polo A/K/A Juicy
Christian Eppinger A/K/A Bhris
Miles Farley A/K/A Slato A/K/A Lil Miles
Jevon Fleetwood A/K/A 4tray A/K/A Psycho
Damekion Garlington A/K/A Dee A/K/A Sxarfaxe
Quantavious Grier A/K/A Unfoonk
Marquavius Huey A/K/A Qua
Deamonte Kendrick A/K/A Yak Gotti
Sergio Kitchens A/K/A Gunna
W U Nnie Lee A/K/A Slimelife Shawty
Demise Mcmullen A/K/A Nard
Tenquarius Mender A/K/A Nard A/K/A Stunna
Walter Murphy A/K/A Dk
Jayden Myricka/K/A Settrip A/K/A Jayman
Quamarvious Nichols A/K/A Qua
Rodalius Ryan A/K/A Lil Rod
Antonio Sledge A/K/A Mounk Tounk
Trontavious Stephens A/K/A Tick A/K/A Slug
Shannon Stillwell A/K/A Shannon Jackson A/K/A Sb
Antonio Sumlin A/K/A Obama
Jeffery Williamsa/K/A Young Thug A/K/A Slime
Jimmy Winfrey A/K/A Roscoe

Wednesday 29 November 2023 19:15 , Kelly Rissman

“Truly Humble Under God”

One clip of Brian Steel, Young Thug’s lawyer, is going viral after he told jurors that “thug” stands for “truly humble under god.”

Wednesday 29 November 2023 18:53 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: What is the trial about?

The rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, and 27 other defendants have been charged in a sweeping 65-count indictment. Mr Williams has been charged with eight counts, including possession of a firearm while committing a felony and possession of a machine gun. He has pleaded guilty to all counts.

All defendants have been charged with racketeering. Prosecutors say YSL is a gang; the defence insists it is just a record label.

Read the full story…

Wednesday 29 November 2023 17:28 , Kelly Rissman

Jury is on recess for lunch

After taking a brief comfort break, Judge Glanville said the court will recess for lunch. Testimony will continue at 1.45pm.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 17:07 , Kelly Rissman

Gang identifiers, according to an expert witness

“Blood gang members typically and often will disrespect the rival Crips by avoiding the use of the letter C,” often replacing it with a B or an X or by crossing out the letter entirely, Detecttvie Belknap said.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 16:38 , Kelly Rissman

Expert discusses gang identifiers

As the case in part revolves around the defintion of YSL — whether it’s a “criminal street gang,” as the prosecution alleges, or a record label, as the defence insists, Detective Belknap discussed gang identifiers.

The prosecution has argued that certain emojis, like a green snake, hand signs, and other symbols are indicators of the YSL “gang.”

Wednesday 29 November 2023 16:09 , Kelly Rissman

Mr Belknap said he has interacted with ‘thousands’ of gang members

The Atlanta Police detective has been laying out his experience investigating gangs. He estimated that he has interacted with ‘thousands’ of gang members at this point.

“Gang members will often be forthcoming about their affiliation and their activities,” he said, but that’s not always the case. When asked if he takes the information “at face value” when talking to people in the community, he said he did not. Instead, he said his unit compared what he was hearing from sources with monitored phone calls, wiretaps, and other evidence in the case.

He said many of his interactions with gang members are not only when they commit a crime but also when they are victims of a crime.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 15:42 , Kelly Rissman

The first expert witness testifies

Detective Mark Belknap works in the Atlanta Police Department’s gang unit.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 15:35 , Kelly Rissman

The trial resumes

The jury is about to be let in after another hour and a half delay.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 14:45 , Kelly Rissman

The trial is delayed once again

The prosecution is set to present evidence this morning, but the trial is once again postponed. The reasons for the delay are unknown.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 14:30 , Kelly Rissman

Day 2 recap: Defence’s opening statements continued

Mr Steel, who is representing Mr Williams, kicked off the day by describing the rapper’s upbringing. Mr Williams “was born into an environment and a community and a society that was filled with depression, despair, hopelessness and helplessness,” Mr Steel said of the housing projects in which the rapper grew up.

Mr Steel tried to distance Mr Williams from the rest of the defendants while simultaneously emphasising his musical talent and subsequent success.

The defence attorney said that Young Thug doesn’t need money, doesn’t know many of his codefendants, and doesn’t live in Georgia anymore.

“He’s got his own source of legitimate income,” he said after listing his appearances on SNL, Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and NPR’s Tiny Desk, his collaborations with superstars like Rihanna and Elton John, as well as his musical accolades, including a Grammy.

Other lawyers made their opening remarks, telling the jurors that their clients were not guilty.

Prosecutors are expected to start presenting evidence this morning.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 14:00 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: What has happened so far in the Young Thug YSL trial?

The trial began nearly an hour and a half behind schedule because a juror was late.

After the court returned from lunch, the judge snapped at attorneys from both sides for having “wasted two hours.”

Read the full story…

Young Thug’s YSL trial kicks off with scoldings, ‘wasted time’ and no tempo

Wednesday 29 November 2023 13:00 , Kelly Rissman

WATCH: Defence attorney describe the prosecution’s case as a “donut hole”

E. Jay Abt, who represents Deamonte Kendrick aka Yak Gotti, said prosecutors want to convict Kendrick “by who he hangs out with, the color of the clothes that he wears, the symbols that he makes with his hands, and the beautiful lyrics that he writes and sings.” pic.twitter.com/Y0ryM6frqg

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) November 28, 2023

Wednesday 29 November 2023 11:00 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: What the defence said on Monday

attorney Max Schardt argued that his client, Shannon Stillwell, is an “innocent man.” Mr Stillwell is one of a few charged with Thomas’ murder; he has been previously charged with distributing drugs.

Mr Schardt said that his client was “trying to make it in rap, sold marijuana” and pleaded guilty. He tried to separate Mr Stillwell’s past as being totally separate from YSL. He said he had done his time for the drug charges.

“We’re not hiding that Shannon Stillwell sold drugs…or was found in possession of a firearm. These are his pasts and his truths,” he added. “But the evidence will show that Shannon’s decisions had nothing to do with YSL or any other organisation.”

Mr Schardt also claimed there were “no eyewitnesses” of Thomas’ murder. He said there is surveillance footage of the incident, which jurors will be able to watch.

The defence team’s opening statement continues into the second day.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 09:00 , Kelly Rissman

Lyrics in court

The use of lyrics in the courtroom has been a point of contention leading up to the trial. Ms Love mentioned some lyrics right off the bat in an effort to demonstrate to jurors that some of the group’s lyrics are related to crimes that they are accused of committing.

“We didn’t chase any of the lyrics to solve any murders. Law enforcement in Fulton County chased the murders and found the lyrics,” Ms Love clarified. “The lyrics [defendants] chose to speak…bore a very eerie significance to real life.”

By contrast, Mr Steel called the lyrics “art” and part of the rapper’s “freedom of speech.”

Wednesday 29 November 2023 19:19 , Kelly Rissman

Testimony plagued by objections, perhaps summed up best by a reporter in the courtroom

Back from lunch. The detective is trying to discuss wiretaps of ROC crew members, but YT’s attorney is objecting to just about everything he says.

There was talk of getting through the state’s first six witnesses today. I don’t think that’s happening

— Shaddi Abusaid (@ShaddiAbusaid) November 29, 2023

Wednesday 29 November 2023 07:00 , Kelly Rissman

How long has Young Thug been behind bars?

Young Thug has been in prison since his arrest in May 2022.

Earlier this month, a jury was finally selected after almost one year – with over 2,000 people having been summoned to possibly serve.

Now, opening statements in the trial are set to begin on 27 November.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the trial could end up being the longest in Georgia’s history.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 06:00 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: Who is Young Thug?

Born in 1991 as Jeffrey Lamar Williams, Young Thug is an Atlanta-born rapper. He also goes by the name Slime.

After starting his career at the age of 19, he signed with Gucci Mane’s record label, and went on to become one of the most influential artists on the contemporary hip-hop and trap music scene.

His first two albums “So Much Fun”, in 2019, and “Punk”, in 2021, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200, as did his 2021 joint compilation album with Gunna, “Slime Language 2”.

Young Thug has also featured in multiple collaborations that have earned him several number one hits.

These include guest spots on Camila Cabello’s Havana in 2018, Travis Scott and MIA’s Franchise in 2020 and Drake and Future’s Way 2 Sexy in 2021, all of which topped the Billboard Hot 100.

He also co-wrote the hit song This Is America with Childish Gambino, real name Donald Glover, which became the first hip-hop track to win Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 2019.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 05:00 , Kelly Rissman

The origin of YSL, according to the defence

The defence argued that “YSL” stemmed from the “YSL” logo on Yves Saint Laurent pants, cutting into the prosecution’s argument that YSL is a criminal enterprise that stands for “Young Slime Life.”

Wednesday 29 November 2023 04:00 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: What are the charges against YSL members?

The YSL members named in the indictment are charged with conspiracy to violate Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

The act is similar to its federal counterpart, which is used to convict large-scale organisations such as the mafia.

According to the indictment, associates of YSL “conspired to associate together and with others for the common purposes of illegally obtaining money and property through a pattern of racketeering activity”.

It claims that YSL members were involved in murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, theft, drug dealing, carjacking, and witness intimidation.

Other activities include “the posting of messages, images, videos and songs, demonstrating allegiance to the enterprise and willingness to engage in violence on its behalf”.

Prosecutors claim they can show that some of the group’s lyrics are related to crimes that they are accused of committing.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 03:00 , Kelly Rissman

Lil Wayne invoked

Mr Williams “idolized” Lil Wayne, Mr Steel saying, adding that growing up, he emulated his style and tattoos.

Lil Wayne was mentioned yesterday by the prosecution and is mentioned in the indictment, as one defendant was accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he allegedly shot at a bus that Lil Wayne was riding in 2015.

Wednesday 29 November 2023 01:00 , Kelly Rissman

Where does Young Thug fit in to the trial?

The indictment portrays Young Thug as the leader of the criminal gang, which was responsible for multiple violent crimes, including murders, shootings and carjackings.

Prosecutors say the rapper also used his music and social media posts to promote the gang,

He is also alleged to have committed multiple crimes that he has not been charged with.

While he is not being charged for such “overt acts”, they lend credence to the allegation that the group of defendants were together engaged in a criminal conspiracy.

Brian Steel, Young Thug’s lawyer, told The New York Times: “Mr Williams came from an incredibly horrible upbringing, and he has conducted himself throughout his life in a way that is just to marvel at. He’s committed no crime whatsoever.”

Wednesday 29 November 2023 00:00 , Kelly Rissman

Defending the lyrics

“Whatever the listener takes from it, you will learn, that’s what the song means,” Mr Steel said during his opening remarks on Tuesday. “This is art. This is freedom of speech in America.”

The attorney pointed out the series of accolades that Young Thug has won, including a Grammy. He said he has performed with Elton John, Rihanna, Drake — “everyone in music.”

The emphasis on his success in the field comes after the prosecution said yesterday: “The lyrics [defendants] chose to speak…bore a very eerie significance to real life.”

Tuesday 28 November 2023 22:09 , Kelly Rissman

The court is taking a 10 minute comfort break

A defence attorney for Marquavius Huey said he had 30 minutes left of his opening remarks, which will resume shortly.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 21:32 , Kelly Rissman

Who are the 28 codefendants?

Kahlieff Adams A/K/A Bobby Hunt
Martinez Arnold A/K/A Duke
Derontae Bebee A/K/A Bee A/K/A B
Damone Blalock A/K/A Bali
Javaris Bradford A/K/A Tuda‘
Justin Cobb A/K/A Duwap
Cordarius Dorsey A/K/A Polo A/K/A Juicy
Christian Eppinger A/K/A Bhris
Miles Farley A/K/A Slato A/K/A Lil Miles
Jevon Fleetwood A/K/A 4tray A/K/A Psycho
Damekion Garlington A/K/A Dee A/K/A Sxarfaxe
Quantavious Grier A/K/A Unfoonk
Marquavius Huey A/K/A Qua
Deamonte Kendrick A/K/A Yak Gotti
Sergio Kitchens A/K/A Gunna
W U Nnie Lee A/K/A Slimelife Shawty
Demise Mcmullen A/K/A Nard
Tenquarius Mender A/K/A Nard A/K/A Stunna
Walter Murphy A/K/A Dk
Jayden Myricka/K/A Settrip A/K/A Jayman
Quamarvious Nichols A/K/A Qua
Rodalius Ryan A/K/A Lil Rod
Antonio Sledge A/K/A Mounk Tounk
Trontavious Stephens A/K/A Tick A/K/A Slug
Shannon Stillwell A/K/A Shannon Jackson A/K/A Sb
Antonio Sumlin A/K/A Obama
Jeffery Williamsa/K/A Young Thug A/K/A Slime
Jimmy Winfrey A/K/A Roscoe

Tuesday 28 November 2023 21:20 , Kelly Rissman

WATCH: Defence attorney describe the prosecution’s case as a “donut hole”

Abt just finished. One recurring theme in his opening was that @KrispyKreme doughnuts are absolute crap.

The prosecution’s case is “a doughnut hole. It’s a Krispy Kreme doughnut hole. You don’t get the glaze. You don’t get the doighnut. You just get air in the middle.” pic.twitter.com/j6ZdUfw0wg

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) November 28, 2023

Tuesday 28 November 2023 21:08 , Kelly Rissman

Opening statements continue

A lawyer for Quamarvious Nichols told the court that he reserved his opening statement until the prosecution has concluded its case.

Careton Matthews, who is representing Marquavius Huey, is now making his opening statement.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 20:30 , Kelly Rissman

WATCH: Young Thug’s attorney Brian Steel discusses the rapper’s upbringing in opening statements

“Jeffery Williams was born into an environment, a community, a society that was filled with oppression, despair, hopelessness and helplessness.”

Steel skillfully used this intro about Young Thug’s background to transition into criticism of police and credibility of witnesses. pic.twitter.com/0iDMjOjfbc

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) November 28, 2023

Tuesday 28 November 2023 20:15 , Kelly Rissman

Opening statements continue

Each of the defendants’ lawyers is giving opening statements.

There are 28 defendants. Many of their opening statements hinge on the destitute nature of the defendants’ upbringing in parts of Atlanta. They have also made an effort to separate any previous crimes from this case.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 20:06 , Kelly Rissman

The trial resumes post lunch

The attorney for Rodalius Ryan pointed out that the defendant grew up poor — so poor, she said, that he was born on a couch, despite a hospital being just five minutes away.

Mr Ryan is “100 pounds soaking wet,” the attorney said. So, he had to defend himself by posting on Instagram.

He has just been charged with the RICO count. He is listed in eight of the “overt acts.”

Tuesday 28 November 2023 19:54 , Kelly Rissman

What is YSL?

It depends who you ask.

YSL is Young Thug’s own record label – Young Slime Life. Artists on his record label are considered part of the “Slime Family,” and a compilation album, “Slime Language 2,” rose to number one on the US charts in April 2021.

Its artists include Gunna and Lil Keed, though several contemporary artists, including Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, Lil Baby, and Travis Scott have also expressed allegiance to YSL without being contractually signed.

However, according to prosecutors, YSL is actually a “criminal street gang”, which started out in the Cleveland Avenue area of Atlanta and claims affiliation to the national Bloods gang.

According to a sprawling 88-page indictment, the members of YSL use “a variety of identifiers including colours, clothing, tattoos, and hand signs” to show their allegiance to the group.

The most predominant colours used by members of YSL are red for Bloods and green for Slime.

Defence attorneys meanwhile insist that YSL is just a music label.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 19:30 , Kelly Rissman

Differing accounts

To make the prosecution’s point, that YSL is functioning as a cohesive unit, she underscored some codes and symbols that the group uses to communicate. She said YSL substitutes the letter “C” with the letter “B,” like “Bleveland” instead of Cleveland, uses certain emojis, like the green heart, green snake, and green vomit emojis, and uses certain hand signs.

“We don’t criminalize association,” Mr Steel said, as he tried to debunk the prosecution’s claims about certain symbols and gestures being linked to YSL.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 19:15 , Kelly Rissman

What you missed yesterday

Mr Schardt also claimed there were “no eyewitnesses” of Thomas’ murder. He said there is surveillance footage of the incident, which jurors will be able to watch.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 18:42 , Kelly Rissman

The court breaks for lunch

“Jeffery is not guilty,” Mr Steel said at end of his hours-long opening statement.

The court will resume at 2.45pm after a lunch break, Judge Granville said.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 18:19 , Kelly Rissman

Who is Donovan Thomas, a central focus of this case?

Like many things in this trial, it depends on who you ask.

Thomas was shot to death in a drive-by shooting on 10 January, 2015. Some defendants are accused of murdering him, while others are accused of being involved in his killing.

“The defendant Jeffery Williams’ words and actions betrayed his participation in the conspiracy,” Ms Love said. He rented a car, despite owning a car, that other YSL members used to “notoriously gun down Donovan Thomas,” the prosecutor added.

Defence attorney Brian Steel said Thomas was a “friend” of Mr Williams.

The indictment says that Thomas was an “associate of a rival gang,” which both sides said was the Inglewood Family gang, or IF.

Fulton County District attorney Fani Willis said that Thomas’ killing sparked a gang war that “created violence like Atlanta has never seen.”

Tuesday 28 November 2023 18:12 , Kelly Rissman

Defence issue takes issue with symbols accused of being used by YSL

“We don’t criminalize association,” Mr Steel said, as he tried to debunk the prosecution’s claims about certain symbols and gestures being linked to YSL.

He argued that Mr Williams is holding up a “P” not a “B” in one of the videos that the prosecution used as evidence of his alleged involvement with the YSL “gang”
A photo shows the rapper wearing a “YSL” pendant and a bracelet that says “slime” and a tattoo with the leader “B,” which the prosecution said furthered YSL group
Mr Steel accused the prosecution of looking through the rapper’s lyrics to “search” for evidence. “These are not confessions or admissions. This is art,” he said.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 17:39 , Kelly Rissman

The court takes a break

The jurors are taking a break after listening to Young Thug’s defence attorney’s opening statement this morning.

He has analysed each of the “overt acts” mentioned in the indictment that involve his client. Brian Steel has highlighted Young Thug’s music career which arose from an upbringing plagued by poverty and growing up in an environment riddled with crime.

Mr Steel has also represented the lyrics, a pressure point of this case, as being “art” and part of the rapper’s “freedom of speech,” coming in sharp contrast to Ms Love, who portrayed the lyrics as bearing “a very eerie significance to real life.”

Tuesday 28 November 2023 17:00 , Kelly Rissman

What you missed on Day 1

The highly anticipated Young Thug trial got off to a slow and rocky start — consistent with a pretrial process, as jury selection took nearly 11 months to complete.

The prosecution portrayed the rapper as the “head” of the so-called “criminal street gang” YSL (Young Slime Life), and used lyrics in its opening statement to support its case, but not without many delays and a fiery Judge Ural Glanville, who seemed upset with both sides on Monday.

All defendants have been charged with racketeering. Prosecutors say YSL is a gang; the defence insists it is just a record label.

Read the full story…

Young Thug’s YSL trial kicks off with scoldings, ‘wasted time’ and no tempo

Tuesday 28 November 2023 16:27 , Kelly Rissman

Young Thug’s lawyer distancing him from codefendants

Mr Steel that Young Thug doesn’t need money, doesn’t know many of his codefendants, and doesn’t live in Georgia anymore.

“He’s got his own source of legitimate income,” he said after listing his appearances on SNL, Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and NPR’s Tiny Desk, his collaborations from superstars like Rihanna and Elton John, as well as his musical awards, including a Grammy.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 16:21 , Kelly Rissman

The origin of YSL, according to the defence

Tuesday 28 November 2023 16:14 , Kelly Rissman

Defending the lyrics

“Whatever the listener takes from it, you will learn, that’s what the song means,” Mr Steel said. “This is art. This is freedom of speech in America.”

The attorney pointed out the series of accolades that Young Thug has won, including a Grammy. He said he has performed with Elton John, Rihanna, Drake — “everyone in music.”

The emphasis on his success in the field comes after the prosecution said yesterday: “The lyrics [defendants] chose to speak…bore a very eerie significance to real life.”

Tuesday 28 November 2023 16:04 , Kelly Rissman

The defence turns to music

Mr Williams “idolized” Lil Wayne, Mr Steel saying, adding that growing up, he emulated his style and tattoos.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 15:50 , Kelly Rissman

Day 2: The Young Thug trial resumes

Brian Steel started his opening statement by talking about the past of his client, Young Thug aka Jeffery Williams.

Mr Williams “was born into an environment and a community and a society that was filled with depression, despair, hopelessness and helplessness,” Mr Steel said of the housing projects Young Thug grew up in. He painted a picture of the circumstances in which he grew up, “in severe poverty, severe crime.”

Ms Love objected to something Mr Steel was saying and opted to approach the bench, out of earshot of the jury.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 15:45 , Kelly Rissman

WATCH: Prosecutor addressed the finding of certain lyrics, a pressure point ahead of the trial

Fulton County Deputy District attorney Adriane Love gets into Young Thug’s lyrics, telling jurors, “law enforcement didn’t chase the lyrics to solve the murders.”

“Law enforcement chased the murders and found the lyrics.” pic.twitter.com/vqEI1cgLv0

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) November 27, 2023

Tuesday 28 November 2023 15:30 , Kelly Rissman

Why is Young Thug on trial?

Jury selection for the trial began in January, but faced numerous challenges – from getting the defendants housed in different jails to court each day to dealing with contraband in the courtroom and – wildly – the arrests of a defence attorney and a courtroom deputy.

The saga in the courtroom has led to lengthy delays in the trial, which is expected to last months, getting under way.

Finally, opening statements are scheduled to begin on Monday 27 November.

Here’s what you need to know.

Young Thug, YSL and questionable lyrics: The controversial ‘gang’ trial is here

Tuesday 28 November 2023 15:08 , Kelly Rissman

Lyrics have already been used in the courtroom

“We didn’t chase any of the lyrics to solve any murders. Law enforcement in Fulton County chased the murders and found the lyrics,” Ms Love said.

The prosecutor then started quoting a Young Thug song.

The use of lyrics from rappers associated with YSL and Young Thug in the case has been an ongoing point of contention.

Earlier this month, the judge ruled that he would allow prosecutors to introduce 17 sets of lyrics — so long as they can demonstrate that those lyrics are related to crimes that the rapper and other defendants are accused of committing.

The defence team had argued against the lyrics’ inclusion in the case, arguing they are constitutionally protected speech.

“The lyrics [defendants] chose to speak…bore a very eerie significance to real life,” Ms Love added.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 14:58 , Kelly Rissman

The second day of the trial is set to begin

After a day plagued by delays, objections, and a failed mistrial motion, the second day of the already turbulent trial is about to take shape at 10am ET.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 14:00 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: What happened at the Young Thug trial

Today was a rocky start to the hotly anticipated trial of rapper Young Thug, aka Jeffery Williams, and 28 other defendants who are allegedly involved in the criminal gang YSL; the defence argues that YSL is merely a record label.

The trial was immediately delayed by an hour and a half, as the court was waiting for one late juror.

Then, the prosecution started its opening statements, which were met with numerous objections, and some disagreement over whether the prosecution provided the defence with slides it was showing the jurors.

The jury then had to leave, came back briefly, before being let off for a lunch recess.

After the court returned from lunch, the judge snapped at attorneys from both sides for having “wasted two hours.”

Hours after she began, prosecutor Adriane Love resumed her opening statement, which focused on depicting how YSL operates and portraying Mr Williams as the ringleader. She also already incorporated some of the defendants’ lyrics — the inclusion of which was itself a heated topic ahead of the trial.

Max Schardt, whose is representing Shannon Stillwell, asked the jury to find his client “not guilty” of murder, claiming that the evidence that led the state to the murder charge was given by someone who gave a false name.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 12:00 , Kelly Rissman

What have Young Thug’s lawyers said?

The defence team has yet to give opening statements today.

But in numerous court filings, the rapper’s attorneys have said that he is innocent of all crimes charged in the indictment. They argue YSL is simply a record label.

Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, has pleaded not guilty.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 21:53 , Kelly Rissman

Has the case been controversial?

The use of lyrics from rappers associated with YSL and Young Thug in the case has been an ongoing point of contention.

Earlier this month, Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville ruled that he would allow prosecutors to introduce 17 sets of lyrics, as long as they can show that the lyrics are related to crimes that the rapper and other defendants are accused of committing.

Defence attorneys had asked the judge to exclude them, arguing the lyrics are constitutionally protected speech and would be unfairly prejudicial.

“The question is not rap lyrics. The question is gang lyrics,” prosecutor Mike Carlson said, during a pre-trial hearing. “These are party admissions. They happen to come in the form of lyrics.”

Mr Carlson had argued that First Amendment speech protections do not apply because the defendants are not being prosecuted for their lyrics. Instead, he said, the lyrics refer to the criminal act or the criminal intent related to the charges.

Another prosecutor, Simone Hylton, also separated the lyrics into three categories: those that prove the existence of YSL as an enterprise, those that show the gang’s behaviour and actions, and those that show that Young Thug is a leader of the gang.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 10:00 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: What are the charges against YSL members?

The YSL members named in the indictment are charged with conspiracy to violate Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

The act is similar to its federal counterpart, which is used to convict large-scale organisations such as the mafia.

It claims that YSL members were involved in murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, theft, drug dealing, carjacking, and witness intimidation.

Other activities include “the posting of messages, images, videos and songs, demonstrating allegiance to the enterprise and willingness to engage in violence on its behalf”.

Prosecutors claim they can show that some of the group’s lyrics are related to crimes that they are accused of committing.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 22:34 , Kelly Rissman

Who is Donovan Thomas, a central focus of this case?

Like many things in this trial, it depends on who you ask.

Thomas was shot to death in a drive-by shooting on 10 January, 2015. Some defendants are accused of murdering him, while others are accused of being involved in his killing.

Defence attorney Brian Steel said Thomas was a “friend” of Mr Williams.

The indictment says that Thomas was an “associate of a rival gang,” which both sides said was the Inglewood Family gang, or IF.

Fulton County District attorney Fani Willis said that Thomas’ killing sparked a gang war that “created violence like Atlanta has never seen.”

Tuesday 28 November 2023 08:00 , Kelly Rissman

Zooming in on Young Thug

Young Thug aka Jeffery Williams is being painted as the head of YSL by the state.

“The defendant Jeffery Williams’ words and actions betrayed his participation in the conspiracy,” Ms Love said.

He rented a car, despite owning a car, that other YSL members used to “notoriously gun down Donovan Thomas,” the prosecutor added.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 06:00 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: What is YSL?

It depends who you ask.

However, according to prosecutors, YSL is actually a “criminal street gang”, which started out in the Cleveland Avenue area of Atlanta and claims affiliation to the national Bloods gang.

According to a sprawling 88-page indictment, the members of YSL use “a variety of identifiers including colours, clothing, tattoos, and hand signs” to show their allegiance to the group.

The most predominant colours used by members of YSL are red for Bloods and green for Slime.

Defence attorneys meanwhile insist that YSL is just a music label.

Tuesday 28 November 2023 05:00 , Kelly Rissman

Where does Young Thug fit in?

The indictment portrays Young Thug as the leader of the criminal gang, which was responsible for multiple violent crimes, including murders, shootings and carjackings.

Prosecutors say the rapper also used his music and social media posts to promote the gang,

He is also alleged to have committed multiple crimes that he has not been charged with.

While he is not being charged for such “overt acts”, they lend credence to the allegation that the group of defendants were together engaged in a criminal conspiracy.

Read the full story…

Young Thug, YSL and questionable lyrics: The controversial ‘gang’ trial is here

Tuesday 28 November 2023 04:00 , Kelly Rissman

How has the music industry reacted to the trial?

Several big names in the music industry have expressed support for YSL and hit out at prosecutors’ efforts to use their own lyrics against them.

Canadian superstar Drake referenced the case in the track Sticky on his new album Honestly, Nevermind.

“Somebody’s getting paid and/Free Big Slime out the cage,” Drake says in the song.

Killer Mike of rap group Run The Jewels previously told ABC News: “Hip hop is not respected as an art because Black people in this country are not recognised as full human beings.

“If we allow the courts to prosecute these men based on characters they created and stories of pretend that they tell in rhyme then next, they’ll be at your door.”

Tuesday 28 November 2023 03:00 , Kelly Rissman

Prosecution pointing out patterns

YSL uses a certain set of symbols and other idiosyncrasies to identify themselves, according to Prosecutor Love. These included:

substituting the letter “C” with the letter “B,” like “Bleveland” vs Cleveland or “Bhris” vs Chris
using certain emojis: Green Heart, Green Snake, Blowing Nose, and Green Vomit emojis
using certain hand signs

Tuesday 28 November 2023 02:00 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: What happened at the Young Thug trial

The trial was immediately delayed by an hour and a half, as the court was waiting for one late juror.

The jury then had to leave, came back briefly, before being let off for a lunch recess.

After the court returned from lunch, the judge snapped at attorneys from both sides for having “wasted two hours.”

Tuesday 28 November 2023 01:00 , Kelly Rissman

WATCH: Prosecutor addressed the finding of certain lyrics, a pressure point ahead of the trial

Fulton County Deputy District attorney Adriane Love gets into Young Thug’s lyrics, telling jurors, “law enforcement didn’t chase the lyrics to solve the murders.”

“Law enforcement chased the murders and found the lyrics.” pic.twitter.com/vqEI1cgLv0

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) November 27, 2023

Tuesday 28 November 2023 00:00 , Kelly Rissman

Has the case been controversial?

The use of lyrics from rappers associated with YSL and Young Thug in the case has been an ongoing point of contention.

Defence attorneys had asked the judge to exclude them, arguing the lyrics are constitutionally protected speech and would be unfairly prejudicial.

Monday 27 November 2023 23:00 , Kelly Rissman

Who is Young Thug?

Born in 1991 as Jeffrey Lamar Williams, Young Thug is an Atlanta-born rapper. He also goes by the name Slime.

After starting his career at the age of 19, he signed with Gucci Mane’s record label, and went on to become one of the most influential artists on the contemporary hip-hop and trap music scene.

His first two albums “So Much Fun”, in 2019, and “Punk”, in 2021, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200, as did his 2021 joint compilation album with Gunna, “Slime Language 2”.

Young Thug has also featured in multiple collaborations that have earned him several number one hits.

These include guest spots on Camila Cabello’s Havana in 2018, Travis Scott and MIA’s Franchise in 2020 and Drake and Future’s Way 2 Sexy in 2021, all of which topped the Billboard Hot 100.

He also co-wrote the hit song This Is America with Childish Gambino, real name Donald Glover, which became the first hip-hop track to win Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 2019.

Young Thug Trial-Guide (2021 Invision)

Monday 27 November 2023 22:00 , Kelly Rissman

What has been said about Donovan Thomas

The case hinges on Donovan Thomas, whom the indictment describes as “an associate of a rival gang.” He was killed in a drive-by shooting on 10 January 2015.

Fulton County DA Fani Willis described Thomas’s killing led to a gang war that “created violence like Atlanta has never seen.”

The prosecutor accused Jeffery Williams aka Young Thug of renting a car, despite owning a car, that other YSL members used to “notoriously gun down Donovan Thomas.”

The defence argued that there are “no eyewitnesses” of Thomas’ killing and insinuated that Spencer Wright aka “fabricated” seeing the killing, as he pointed out that Mr Wright initially used a false name — Nicholas Robinson — when talking to investigators.

Then, using Mr Wright’s word, detectives got warrants for his client, Shannon Stillwell, among others, he said.

Monday 27 November 2023 21:53 , Kelly Rissman

The defence’s opening statement continues

“There were no eyewitnesses” of the murder of Donovan Thomas, Max Schardt of the defence team told the jury. “No one had been charged for nine months and nine days.” The indictment describes Thomas as an “associate of a rival gang.”

He said there is surveillance footage of the incident, which jurors will be able to watch.

The Fulton County District attorney has said that Thomas’s killing led to a gang war that “created violence like Atlanta has never seen,” therefore much of the case connects back to this drive-by death.

Monday 27 November 2023 21:41 , Kelly Rissman

The defence begins its opening statements

Defence attorney Max Schardt started by saying his client, Shannon Stillwell, “is an innocent man.”

Mr Schardt said that Shannon “trying to make it in rap, sold marijuana” and pleaded guilty. He tried to separate Mr Stillwell’s past as being totally separate from YSL. He said he had done his time for the drug charges.

Monday 27 November 2023 21:30 , Kelly Rissman

ICYMI: What happened at the Young Thug trial

The trial was immediately delayed by an hour and a half, as the court was waiting for one late juror.

The jury then had to leave, came back briefly, before being let off for a lunch recess.

After the court returned from lunch, the judge snapped at attorneys from both sides for having “wasted two hours.”

Monday 27 November 2023 20:59 , Kelly Rissman

More on lyrics

Ms Love emphasised that law enforcement were “happening upon the lyrics while trying to solve a murder.”

She read some of defendant Shannon Stillwell’s lyrics, which included a reference to murder after he was released on bond for the murder of Donovan Thomas, she said.

Source link

Attorneys and law firms can elevate their online presence with professionally written content from SEO Content Writing Services monthly plan. Our team of experienced writers specializes in crafting blog posts, articles, and written content that accurately reflect the expertise and knowledge of our clients in the legal field. With a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of legal terminology, we provide high-quality writing that helps our clients stand out from their competition and engage with their target audience. Trust SEO Content Writing Services for one time article writing or monthly written content to handle all of your written content needs and showcase your law firm's expertise.
If you need written content, blog posts, or articles professionally written for your website, we can help. Go HERE to find out more.
or email us here: myseowritingservices@gmail.com To find out more about our article writing or blog post services, fill out the form, thank you.

Young Thug trial derailed after juror faces exposed: Live

Key points

Comments

Post your comment

Archives

Categories

Meta

Archives Widget

Categories

Search