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Rapper YNW Melly appeared in a Broward County courtroom on Tuesday. His legal team is once again asking a judge to grant him bond. Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, is awaiting retrial for a double murder case.His attorneys first filed the motion in March. They claim he is being mistreated while in custody. According to them, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office denied him calls with his family and one of his lawyers.
Demons is accused of killing Christopher Thomas Jr. and Anthony Williams in 2018. All three were members of the YNW Collective. He has been in jail since his arrest in 2019, which amounts to over 2,000 days. His first trial ended in a mistrial in July 2023. With the retrial scheduled for September 10, Demons is asking for release until then. But bond is rarely granted in capital murder cases.
House Arrest and Private Security Promised For YNW Melly
His defense attorneys made several promises if bond is granted. They said Demons would remain under house arrest. He would wear an ankle monitor tracked by law enforcement. Three private security guards would guard him around the clock.
YNW Melly’s defense says his record label will pay his bond if granted, and he
— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) May 7, 2025
would go on house arrest with an ankle monitor, surrounded by bodyguards watching him 24/7. 👀 pic.twitter.com/bhAE9pomge
Lead attorney Raven Liberty explained the plan. “They would be reporting if there was any infractions by Mr. Demons,” she said. “They would be reporting directly to myself, to the legal team, the state attorney, and to the court. So it would basically be like having your own deputy, a paid deputy, with him.” The defense said his record label would post the bond. Demons would live with family while under strict monitoring.
Prosecutors and Victim’s Family Object
Prosecutors strongly object to the bond request. They cited the seriousness of the charges and a separate tampering case against Demons. Assistant State Attorney Justin Griffiths said, “It’s already been established that he presents a danger to the community, but not only that, he intended to tamper with witnesses while in custody.”
YNW Melly could be released today if the judge approves the motion for bond.
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) May 6, 2025
He’s been in jail for 6 years. pic.twitter.com/fNnGfWr56C
They also pointed to forensic evidence, including ballistic tests and cell phone data. Prosecutors say this places Demons at the crime scene. An attorney for the family of Anthony Williams also spoke. The family opposes any pre-trial release.
The courtroom was packed with Demons’ family and friends. His mother, Jamie Demons-King, shared her hopes. “We are really hopeful today that he’s going to get a bond and be able to come home,” she said. “He’s been through a lot these last six years in jail, three years with no phone calls, no visitation.”
Demons have made several bond requests over the years. Each one has been denied. His lawyers hope the mistrial will help sway the judge. A ruling on the bond is expected soon. If convicted, Demons could face the death penalty.
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