YNW Melly Trial: Rapper Seemingly Cries As Victims' Hospital Footage Plays In Court

Things officially began earlier this morning in Broward County.

BYHayley Hynes
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Emotions are running high in Broward County, Florida today as YNW Melly's double-murder trial finally kicks off. The embattled star has been behind bars since 2019. Now, attorneys will attempt to prove his innocence in the gruesome slaying of two affiliates nearly five years ago. Fans have heard semi-regular updates from Melly via Instagram during the wait. They've chiefly included details of the alleged abuse he's endured at the hands of correctional staff.

When appearing in court on Monday (June 12), the "Murder On My Mind" hitmaker seemed to be in good spirits. His long hair was pulled out of his face, and he donned a navy blue suit, looking far more grown up than when he was first locked up on first-degree murder charges. So far today, those in attendance have heard opening statements that, according to Melly's former lawyer, Bradford Cohen, prove the prosecution has "an uphill battle ahead of them."

Read More: YNW Melly Appears In Court As Double-Murder Trial Kicks Off: Where To Stream

YNW Melly Reportedly Emotional in Court Today

As per AllHipHop, Cohen shared via Instagram that there are many "difficult issues" for them to prove, such as Melly's pulling of the trigger. "The faulty investigation, motive, no DNA, no GSR [gunshot residue], no murder weapon, no evidence that he pulled the trigger. Very tough case for a prosecutor," the celebrity attorney explained. Part of what was presented today included footage of YNW's alleged accomplice arriving at the hospital with the two victims, claiming they had been a part of a drive-by shooting.

As the video played, many women related to the deceased left the courtroom. At the same time, the accused killer appears to wipe his eyelids, seemingly overwhelmed with deep feelings. It's likely YNW Melly's emotion is only amplified by the potential of the death penalty looming on his shoulders. While it was previously removed as an option in his case, more recent updates have made it easier than ever for the 23-year-old to receive the fatal sentence. Read all about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: YNW Melly’s Death Penalty Potential Made Easier By Florida Judge

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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.