YNW Melly's Death Penalty Potential Made Easier By Florida Judge

The embattled artist's trial is due to begin later this month.

BYHayley Hynes
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The long-awaited trial for YNW Melly's murder case is finally due to kick off later this month. Unfortunately, the Florida native received some bad news ahead of that regarding the death penalty. It was previously taken off the table for Melly, but ultimately later put back on after the ruling was found to be faulty. Since then, the 23-year-old has continued to campaign for his freedom with the help of attorneys, family, friends, and fans.

Even from behind bars Melly has managed to get messages out via Instagram. In one from earlier this year, the "Murder On My Mind" artist shared that he's "in fear of [his] life" behind bars while awaiting his fate. YNW has allegedly dealt with harsh deputies, lieutenants, and sergeants, all of whom he says are threatening to "hide [him] from the world." The original posts are no longer on his profile, leaving only more recent snapshots of the embattled star smiling while wearing a suit in court.

Read More: YNW Melly Is “In Fear Of [His] Life” According To Lengthy IG Posts

YNW Melly is Eager to Come Home

As XXL reports, on Friday (June 2) Broward Circuit Judge John Murphy agreed with state prosecutors who filed a motion following a new statute allowing jury members to recommend a death sentence with an 8-4 vote. Before this, all 12 jurors would have to vote for the fatal penalty. Melly will officially be one of the first tried under the harsh new rule following Parkland High School shooter Nikolas Cruz's recent denial due to a 9-3 vote from the jury.

Of all the states where it's still legal, Florida now has the lowest threshold for handing out a death sentence in the country. Read all about the jury selection process for YNW Melly's upcoming trial at the link below. Do you think the judge's new ruling is fair for the young rapper? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: YNW Melly's Trial Begins Jury Selection

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About The Author
Hayley Hynes is the former Weekend Managing Editor of HotNewHipHop, she stepped down after two years in 2024 to pursue other creative opportunities but remains on staff part-time to cover music, gossip, and pop culture news. Currently, she contributes similar content on Blavity and 21Ninety, as well as on her personal blog where she also offers tarot/astrology services. Hayley resides on the western side of Canada, previously spending a year in Vancouver to study Fashion Marketing at Blanche Macdonald Centre and Journalism at Mount Royal University in Calgary before that. She's passionate about helping others heal through storytelling, and shares much more about her life on Instagram @hayleyhynes.