Young Thug trial postponed after co-defendant Shannon Stillwell stabbed in jail
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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 multiple violent crimes, including murders, shootings, carjackings and racketeering.
Young Thug denies the accusations and insists YSL is simply his record label – Young Stoner Life.
The trial has been undoubtedly rocky. On Sunday, Shannon Stillwell, a YSL co-defendant, was stabbed “multiple times” in prison by a fellow inmate. Mr Stillwell is in stable condition, the Fulton County sheriff’s office said.
On Monday, the judge issued a ruling ordering that Mr Stillwell be housed separately in jail to his co-defendants in light of the stabbing. On Tuesday, the judge announced that the case would resume in early January.
Key points
Young Thug charged in sprawling RICO case
What is RICO?
Trial jurors were exposed on camera – but the trial continued anyway
Wednesday 6 December 2023 20:00 , Kelly Rissman
Radclif Henry testifies
Mr Henry is a patrol officer, who was dispatched to Grant Park after the call about the shooting. He approached someone who matched the description as a “Black male wearing all black” and the person went running. While he was chasing him, the suspect threw the firearm on the ground and then the officer picked it up and “made it safe.”
Officer Henry said he detained them and asked why he was running; he didn’t respond because “he was tired,” he said.
The officer said the gun came back as stolen.
Wednesday 6 December 2023 20:46 , Kelly Rissman
More juror drama
Within the last 30 minutes, “you shared a video on your phone with” a sergeant, right? The judge asked before asking how she came across the video.
“I saw myself on the camera above us here,” and she asked where else she could be seen, including the viewing room. She was “concerned” after finding a video online that showed her on a live feed “in contravention of the court’s order,” as the judge put it.
Wednesday 6 December 2023 21:14 , Kelly Rissman
Other jurors speak to the judge
The judge asked all the other jurors if they heard the first juror discussing “anything about the media”?
In the Young Thug trial, there’s trouble afoot with the jury the judge took 10 months seating.
Juror: “I’m concerned that any of us could have been on a live feed.” She sent a video she found online to a deputy.
(Judge hasn’t mentioned jurors’ faces shown on stream last week.) pic.twitter.com/JljzTAYwlf— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) December 6, 2023
Wednesday 6 December 2023 21:30 , Kelly Rissman
Despite the drama, court will resume session tomorrow
After the judge asked every juror whether they overheard the one juror discussing her concern with the sergeant. The judge encouraged jurors to keep off of social media apps to avoid any coverage of the trial. “Any apps, any news feeds, come off of those,” he said.
The court will start at 10am tomorrow and go until about 12:30pm.
Wednesday 6 December 2023 22:00 , Kelly Rissman
House Judiciary GOP makes comparisons between Young Thug and Donald Trump trials
Both cases have been brought by Fulton County DA Fani Willis and both concern RICO charges.
Fani Willis’s office withheld materials from Young Thug’s defense counsel.
Will they do the same to President Trump?
Shouldn’t every civil liberties group be outraged?— House Judiciary GOP 🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryGOP) December 6, 2023
Thursday 7 December 2023 00:00 , Kelly Rissman
Witnesses reluctant to describe Cleveland Ave area as low-income
In Young Thug’s trial today, an Atlanta police officer said an area has a lot of crime, but commenting on poverty and homelessness would be a bridge too far.
“I’m not going to disrespect that community,” he tells Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel. pic.twitter.com/eCuQ6mX9fc— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) December 6, 2023
Thursday 7 December 2023 03:00 , Kelly Rissman
What does YSL mean?
YSL takes on a few meanings in this trial.
According to its website, YSL stands for Young Stoner Life, a record label that includes artists Young Thug, Gunna, Yak Gotti, Unfoonk. They are all defendants in this trial.
The prosecution is arguing that “YSL” also stands for “Young Slime Life,” a “criminal street gang.”
During his opening remarks, Mr Steel discussed the alleged origins of “YSL.” He said the abbreviation stemmed from the “YSL” logo on Yves Saint Laurent pants.
Thursday 7 December 2023 07:00 , Kelly Rissman
WATCH: Awkward moment in court today
“They look like they could be brothers.”
Great cross-exam moment for Careton Matthews in Young Thug’s trial. His point is Grier is not on trial. But Atlanta Police’s Stephen McKesey was sure he was in court.
Matthews has an effective “interview the falsehood” approach. pic.twitter.com/knRkd9jizX— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) December 6, 2023
Thursday 7 December 2023 09:00 , Kelly Rissman
Who is Mariah the Scientist?
Mariah the Scientist is not only a singer-songwriter from Atlanta, but is also Young Thug’s girlfriend.
The pair made headlines recently when Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, released the song, “From a Man,” after she dropped “From a Woman.”
Mr Williams “is someone who supports and respects my vision wholeheartedly. There is a true balance in my femininity and his masculinity,” Mariah the Scientist said in October, according to Rolling Stone. “He’s the yang to my yin in every way.”
The couple also made headlines again this week after Mr Williams boasted a sweater featuring a wolf on it. Although some social media users thought he wore it as a jab to the prosecution — who called him the “head of the pack” of YSL and quoted The Jungle Book — Mariah the Scientist told WSBTV that wearing the sweater was a “pure coincidence.”
Thursday 7 December 2023 11:00 , Kelly Rissman
What is RICO?
RICO stands for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, which is a state law in Georgia based on the 1970 federal law, allowing the prosecution of alleged criminal organizations.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis explained at a press conference following the 2022 indictment: “RICO is a tool that allows a prosecutor’s office and law enforcement to tell the whole story. We use it as a tool so they can have all the information they need to make a wise decision.”
Donald Trump and his 18 codefendants were also charged under this Georgia statute.
Thursday 7 December 2023 13:00 , Kelly Rissman
Young Thug’s designer wolf sweater sells out
Social media is buzzing over a now sold-out designer wolf sweater donned by Young Thug at his trial in Georgia - days after prosecutors described him as the head of a wolf pack.
The rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, is in court in Fulton County, Georgia, fighting gang and racketeering charges in connection with what DA Fani Willis and prosecutors say is a violent street gang he co-founded called Young Slime Life (YSL). He and 27 defendants other are facing RICO charges and have each been individually charged with other violations. Mr Williams has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
On Monday, Mr Williams arrived at court wearing an Amiri sweater emblazoned with a wolf, according to WSBTV. The sweater retails for $1,090 and was on sale for $595 as of Tuesday. By Wednesday morning, the sweater appeared to be sold out on the Amiri website.
Read the full story...
Young Thug’s designer wolf sweater sells out after sparking trial speculation
Thursday 7 December 2023 14:18 , Kelly Rissman
ICYMI: Drama unfolded in Wednesday’s courtroom
A juror informed the judge that she saw herself on a livestream during a recess. The judge proceeded to ask every juror whether they had overheard the first juror speaking to the sergeant about the livefeed.
After the judge asked one of the jurors, the livefeed cut out, prompting fears that someone had answered “yes,” however, after a few minutes, the feed resumed. Despite fears of a mistrial, the court will resume today at 10am.
Thursday 7 December 2023 16:21 , Kelly Rissman
Cross-examination of Radclif Henry
Officer Henry testified yesterday about an incident that occured on 25 May, 2018.
Mr Henry said on Wednesday that he was dispatched to Grant Park after the call about a shooting. He approached someone who matched the description of a suspect: a “Black male wearing all black.” When he approached, that person started running away.
While he was chasing him, the suspect threw the firearm on the ground and then the officer picked it up and “made it safe.” The officer said the recovered gun came back as stolen. Marquavius Huey was arrested.
The incident is documented as an “overt act” in the indictment involving Mr Huey, who is accused of theft by receiving stolen property.
Thursday 7 December 2023 16:45 , Kelly Rissman
A new strategy?
It seems like lawyers for Deamonte Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell might have started a new strategy: asking the witness whether the incident he’s discussing involves their clients.
Officer Henry has been discussing an incident involving Marquavius Huey for the back half of yesterday into today.
This tactic is perhaps an effort to debunk claims that the group is working as an enterprise, emphasising that this particular “overt act” only involves one defendant. We will see if that strategy continues throughtout the day.
Thursday 7 December 2023 17:15 , Kelly Rissman
Court recesses for the day
The judge anticipated a 1pm start time tomorrow.
Thursday 7 December 2023 19:15 , 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.
Thursday 7 December 2023 21:15 , Kelly Rissman
The sweater that sent social media buzzing is sold out
Social media is buzzing over a now sold-out designer wolf sweater donned by Young Thug at his trial in Georgia - days after prosecutors described him as the head of a wolf pack.
The rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, is in court in Fulton County, Georgia, fighting gang and racketeering charges in connection with what DA Fani Willis and prosecutors say is a violent street gang he co-founded called Young Slime Life (YSL). He and 27 defendants other are facing RICO charges and have each been individually charged with other violations. Mr Williams has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
On Monday, Mr Williams arrived at court wearing an Amiri sweater emblazoned with a wolf, according to WSBTV. The sweater retails for $1,090 and was on sale for $595 as of Tuesday. By Wednesday morning, the sweater appeared to be sold out on the Amiri website.
Read the full story...
Young Thug’s designer wolf sweater sells out after sparking trial speculation
Thursday 7 December 2023 23:15 , Kelly Rissman
WATCH: Funny moment in court when judge responds to juror asking for free lunch
“You got a lot of nerve, man? You trying to ask me for lunch?”
At the end of Young Thug’s trial today, Judge Glanville let the jury know there’s no such thing as a free lunch unless they’re deliberating.
(That’s standard, but what’s not standard is how badly managed trial is.) pic.twitter.com/l5W9BxX7rR— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) December 5, 2023
Friday 8 December 2023 03:00 , Kelly Rissman
Recap: What has happened during the Young Thug trial?
The indictment lists 28 defendants, including Jeffery Williams aka Young Thug, but only six defendants are on trial, as several have taken plea deals, including rappers Gunna and Unfoonk, Mr Williams’ brother.
Lyrics, which were the pressure point ahead of the trial, have so far only made an appearance during opening statements.
So far, the prosecution has been calling up witnesses to testify about the “overt acts” laid out in the indictment to demonstrate a conspiracy among defendants. Many of the witnesses are law enforcement officers and a couple were alleged victims — one of theft and one of carjacking.
The prosecution is trying to show that YSL is a “criminal street gang,” not just a record label that stands for Young Stoner Life, as the defence claims.
One law enforcement witness, Detective Belknap, described YSL identifiers, like the propensity to use the snake emoji, to wear green, to type certain abbreviations (like SLATT), and to make certain hand signs, to jurors during the trial’s first week.
Friday 8 December 2023 07:00 , Kelly Rissman
The judge reiterated that jurors should stay off of social media
On Wednesday, a juror flagged that she thought she saw herself on a livefeed on social media.
This prompted Judge Glanville to call in each juror one by one to see if they had overheard this juror discussing her discovery. The livestream of the trial dramatically cut out when the judge was posing the question to one juror, prompting fears that a mistrial would ensue.
Instead, the continued. The judge then warned jurors to keep off of social media.
He reiterated the same thing today in court.
Judge Glanville is asking jurors to stay off their social media and news apps for the duration of the trial.
"It's just too much a temptation," he tells them. "Any apps any news feeds or anything, come off of those."— Shaddi Abusaid (@ShaddiAbusaid) December 6, 2023
Friday 8 December 2023 11:00 , Kelly Rissman
Thug, redefined
Brian Steel, the attorney for Mr Williams, pointed out that his client had two major musical influences growing up: Lil Wayne and Tupac. Tupac famously defined “THUG LIFE” as standing for “The Hate You Give Little Infants F***s Everyone.”
“That was not what ‘thug’ meant to Jeffery,” Mr Steel said, offering up a different definition: “Truly Humble Under God.”
Friday 8 December 2023 15:00 , Kelly Rissman
ICYMI: What happened during Week 1 of the Young Thug trial?
Week 1 was filled with mishaps, objections, and at least one motion for a mistrial.
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.
Read the full story...
Young Thug’s YSL trial kicks off with scoldings, ‘wasted time’ and no tempo
Friday 8 December 2023 17:00 , Kelly Rissman
A late start
The Young Thug trial is expected to resume at 1pm today after taking a half day yesterday due to unrelated court business, the judge said.
The prosecution has called up a series of witnesses over this week and last, many of whom were law enforcement officers while others were victims of crimes that defendants have been accused of committing.
Prosecutors are expected to call up five more witnesses today, time allowing.
According to 11 Alive, the prosecution has 737 people listed on their witness list; the outlet noted that not every witness is guaranteed to ultimately testify.
Friday 8 December 2023 17:48 , Kelly Rissman
WATCH: YSL RICO Trial Day 8 recap
Friday 8 December 2023 19:10 , Kelly Rissman
Christopher Collins takes the stand
Mr Collins is a former APD officer. He testified about an incident taking place in July 2015.
Trontavious Stephens’ eyes were “glossed over, super red,” suggesting “impairment,” the officer testified. Mr Stephens “smashed a digital scale,” acting frustrated, Mr Collins added.
He said the car in which Mr Stephens and two others were riding contained marijuana and four pills of oxycodone. He also found a 9mm Taurus gun.
He then arrested Mr Stephens and another person in his car.
Friday 8 December 2023 20:06 , Kelly Rissman
Prosecution is breezing through witnesses
Former APD officer Christopher Collins testified about an arrest after he found a gun, oxycodone and marijuana.
Mary Katherine Karpf testified about the oxycodone pills found; she works for the GBI at the state crime lab.
Douglas Evans, who is a forensic examiner, also testified.
The court will take a 15-minute recess before the next witness is called.
Friday 8 December 2023 21:36 , Kelly Rissman
“Terroristic threats”
Christopher May is on the stand, describing an event that led prosecutors to accuse Mr Williams of “terroristic threats.”
The state's next witness, officer Christopher May will testify about an alleged incident involving Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery William, in which the rapper made threats against him at Perimeter Mall. @ajc #YSL pic.twitter.com/T7DtXhZXBG
— Jozsef Papp (@JozsefPapp_) December 8, 2023
Friday 8 December 2023 22:00 , Kelly Rissman
*sips drink*
When Mr May, a security officer, was testifying about what Mr Williams allegedly said to him on 7 July, 2015 — that the rapper would “shoot [May] in the face” — Mr Williams grabbed his plastic water bottle filled with a dark-coloured liquid and sipped it.
At the same time, his attorney, Mr Steel, appeared to let out a deep breath.
Mr Williams is accused of committing “terroristic threats” at the Perimeter Mall in July 2015, according to the indictment.
Friday 8 December 2023 23:00 , Kelly Rissman
Revisiting the ‘terroristic threats’ allegation
In July 2015, Rapper Young Thug was arrested by the US Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force on an outstanding warrant for “terroristic threats.”
The 22-year-old — whose government name is Jeffery Lamar Williams — was arrested in Sandy Springs, Georgia without incident, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported.
Williams allegedly threatened to shoot a mall security guard in the face after he was asked to leave the Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, Georgia on 7 July.
A witness, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told Complex that “Thugga” and his entourage were riding around the shopping center on two-wheel Hovertrax. When the crew attempted to leave, a security guard allegedly told them not to return with the Hovertrax. (The rapper previously showed off the segways on his Instagram account.)
The witness said that the rapper became defensive and threatened to sue the security guard.
Read the full story...
Monday 11 December 2023 14:15 , Kelly Rissman
ICYMI: 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.
Monday 11 December 2023 14:45 , Kelly Rissman
Ye and Young Thug
A video on social media is circulating that appears to show Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, at Art Basel in Miami playing a song by him and Ty Dolla $ign — that features Young Thug, according to HipHopDx.
New Kanye West x Young Thug snippet 🔥 https://t.co/3Yh0bOWpT2
via @RihYe_ pic.twitter.com/G1gYN7Y5Qe— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) December 11, 2023
Monday 11 December 2023 15:10 , Kelly Rissman
Trial heads into week 3
There was a medical issue “with one of the participants,” the judge said, so he called for a recess for the day. The attorneys had convened with the judge before the jury was called in.
Judge Glanville said he suspects a 9am start time tomorrow.
Monday 11 December 2023 17:00 , Kelly Rissman
Highlights from last week: Young Thug’s sweater
Social media is buzzing over a now sold-out designer wolf sweater donned by Young Thug at his trial in Georgia - days after prosecutors described him as the head of a wolf pack.
The rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, is in court in Fulton County, Georgia, fighting gang and racketeering charges in connection with what DA Fani Willis and prosecutors say is a violent street gang he co-founded called Young Slime Life (YSL). He and 27 defendants other are facing RICO charges and have each been individually charged with other violations. Mr Williams has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
On Monday, Mr Williams arrived at court wearing an Amiri sweater emblazoned with a wolf, according to WSBTV. The sweater retails for $1,090 and was on sale for $595 as of Tuesday. By Wednesday morning, the sweater appeared to be sold out on the Amiri website.
Viewers sounding off online were quick to question whether the wolf image was meant as a jab at prosecutors, who mentioned the animal in opening statements last week.
Prosecutor Adriane Love began her opening on 27 November by quoting The Jungle Book: “For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.”
Read the full story...
Young Thug’s designer wolf sweater sells out after sparking trial speculation
Monday 11 December 2023 19:00 , Kelly Rissman
Term check: What does ‘SLATT’ mean?
The prosecution and some law enforcement witnesses have mentioned “SLATT.” The indictment says that it is an abbreviation for “Slime Love All the Time.”
Atlanta Police Department detective Mark Belknap, a witness for the prosecution, told jurors that “SLATT” is an identifier of the gang YSL, and can often be used in tattoos, graffiti or on social media.
Monday 11 December 2023 20:32 , Kelly Rissman
Update from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office regarding Shannon Stillwell stabbing:
Inmate Willie Brown has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items in connection to the stabbing of inmate Shannon Jackson, aka Shannon Stillwell. Jackson is a current co-defendant in the Georgia vs. Jeffery Williams et al (YSL) trial that began on November 27, 2023.
On the evening of Sunday, December 10, 2023, a fight occurred between Willie Brown and Shannon Jackson at the Rice Street Jail. During the fight, Jackson was stabbed multiple times by Brown. Jackson is in stable condition. Brown and Jackson were housed in the same zone. It is unknown what led to the fight.
Willie Brown was initially arrested by the East Point Police Department for several charges on July 22, 2020 and was being held without bond.
Jackson has been in custody since March 17, 2022.
Monday 11 December 2023 21:00 , Kelly Rissman
WATCH: 'Pushin P' stands for 'Pushing Positivity,' lawyer says
Monday 11 December 2023 23:00 , Kelly Rissman
Recap: What you’ve missed at the trial so far
After nearly a year of jury selection, the trial is underway and seems to be moving at a similar pace. Both sides often interject the other with objections, sidebars are frequent, and there have been numerous delays caused by jury concerns and now an undisclosed ‘medical issue.’
The jury has heard from a series of law enforcement witnesses and a few crime victims about ‘overt acts’ — laid out in the indictment — that the prosecution has accused the defendants of committing. Many of these overt acts, though, pertain to defendants who have been severed from the case or who have taken plea deals.
Lyrics, which were a main talking point ahead of the trial, have so far only appeared during opening remarks.
All of the defendants have pleaded not guilty.
01:00 , Kelly Rissman
What is RICO?
RICO stands for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, which is a state law in Georgia based on the 1970 federal law, allowing the prosecution of alleged criminal organizations.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis explained at a press conference following the 2022 indictment: “RICO is a tool that allows a prosecutor’s office and law enforcement to tell the whole story. We use it as a tool so they can have all the information they need to make a wise decision.”
Donald Trump and his 18 codefendants were also charged under this Georgia statute.
01:00 , Kelly Rissman
YSL defendant stabbed “multiple times” while in jail
The third week of the YSL trial got off to a dramatic start when one of the defendants was reportedly stabbed.
Defendant Shannon Stillwell “was stabbed in jail,” Max Schardt, his lawyer, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday.
Willie Brown, an inmate at Rice Street Jail, was charged with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items in connection to the stabbing, according to a Fulton County Sheriff’s Office press release.
A fight erupted between Mr Brown and Mr Stillwell on the evening of 10 December — but it’s still not known what led to the fight. Mr Stillwell was “stabbed multiple times by Brown” and Mr Stillwell is in stable condition, the release stated.
Read the full story...
Young Thug co-defendant in YSL Rico trial is stabbed in jail
03:00 , Kelly Rissman
Confused by the terms used in the trial?
We’ve got you covered.
But perhaps the most viral moments from the trial so far have consisted of the unusual terminology and references being used.
Here’s a guide to the most important - and perplexing - words and phrases so far...
YSL and Pushin P: A dictionary guide to the Young Thug trial
YSL defendant must be held separately to other defendants after stabbing: judge
11:10 , Rachel Sharp
Shannon Stillwell, a YSL co-defendant, was stabbed “multiple times” in prison by a fellow inmate.
Mr Stillwell is in stable condition, the Fulton County sheriff’s office said.
On Monday, the judge issued a ruling ordering that Mr Stillwell be housed separately in jail to his co-defendants in light of the stabbing.
The order states that he be “kept separate from the other defendants in this case at all times,” including in jail, during transport to and from the court and while at the courthouse.
Young Thug’s designer wolf sweater sells out
11:40 , Rachel Sharp
Social media is buzzing over a now sold-out designer wolf sweater donned by Young Thug at his trial in Georgia - days after prosecutors described him as the head of a wolf pack.
The rapper, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, is in court in Fulton County, Georgia, fighting gang and racketeering charges in connection with what DA Fani Willis and prosecutors say is a violent street gang he co-founded called Young Slime Life (YSL). He and 27 defendants other are facing RICO charges and have each been individually charged with other violations. Mr Williams has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
On Monday, Mr Williams arrived at court wearing an Amiri sweater emblazoned with a wolf, according to WSBTV. The sweater retails for $1,090 and was on sale for $595 as of Tuesday. By Wednesday morning, the sweater appeared to be sold out on the Amiri website.
Read the full story...
Young Thug’s designer wolf sweater sells out after sparking trial speculation
Stabbing prompts just latest in series of delays in YSL trial
12:10 , Rachel Sharp
A series of postponements have plagued the trial. Jury selection took nearly a year. And now that the trial is in full swing, the rockiness has not eased.
Both the prosecution and defence often make objections, sidebars happen frequently, and a livestream showed jurors’ faces on camera, prompting concerns from at least one juror.
The case hinges on the definition of YSL. The prosecution has accused the defendants of being part of a “criminal street gang” called Young Slime Life (YSL), while the defence has argued that Young Stoner Life (YSL) is merely a record label.
A series of law enforcement witnesses and a few victims have testified so far.
After some of the jurors’ faces were exposed on camera, some witnesses have not been shown on camera.
Although the trial is slow rolling, there has been no shortage of viral moments. In opening statements, Mr Williams’ attorney told jurors that “thug” stood for “truly humble under god” when talking about his client’s rap name.
Then last week, Young Thug’s outfit choice sent social media buzzing. He wore a designer sweater with a wolf on it — which is now sold out — sparking speculation that he was trying to send the prosecution a message after they have sought to paint the rapper as the head of the pack.
Mr Williams’ girlfriend, Mariah the Scientist, told WSBTV that his decision to wear the sweater was a “pure coincidence”.
WATCH RECAP: Young Thug, YSL RICO trial day 10 | Trial delayed on Monday
12:40 , Rachel Sharp
Confused by the terms used in the trial?
13:10 , Rachel Sharp
We’ve got you covered.
But perhaps the most viral moments from the trial so far have consisted of the unusual terminology and references being used.
Here’s a guide to the most important - and perplexing - words and phrases so far...
YSL and Pushin P: A dictionary guide to the Young Thug trial
Recap: What you’ve missed at the trial so far
13:40 , Rachel Sharp
After nearly a year of jury selection, the trial is underway and seems to be moving at a similar pace. Both sides often interject the other with objections, sidebars are frequent, and there have been numerous delays caused by jury concerns and now an undisclosed ‘medical issue.’
The jury has heard from a series of law enforcement witnesses and a few crime victims about ‘overt acts’ — laid out in the indictment — that the prosecution has accused the defendants of committing. Many of these overt acts, though, pertain to defendants who have been severed from the case or who have taken plea deals.
Lyrics, which were a main talking point ahead of the trial, have so far only appeared during opening remarks.
All of the defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Fulton County Sheriff’s Office reveals details of Shannon Stillwell stabbing
14:10 , Rachel Sharp
Fulton County Sheriff’s Office have revealed further details about the stabbing of Shannon Stillwell:
Inmate Willie Brown has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items in connection to the stabbing of inmate Shannon Jackson, aka Shannon Stillwell. Jackson is a current co-defendant in the Georgia vs. Jeffery Williams et al (YSL) trial that began on November 27, 2023.
On the evening of Sunday, December 10, 2023, a fight occurred between Willie Brown and Shannon Jackson at the Rice Street Jail. During the fight, Jackson was stabbed multiple times by Brown. Jackson is in stable condition. Brown and Jackson were housed in the same zone. It is unknown what led to the fight.
Willie Brown was initially arrested by the East Point Police Department for several charges on July 22, 2020 and was being held without bond.
Jackson has been in custody since March 17, 2022.
14:30 , Kelly Rissman
ICYMI: YSL defendant stabbed in jail
Defendant Shannon Stillwell “was stabbed in jail,” Max Schardt, his lawyer, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday.
Willie Brown, an inmate at Rice Street Jail, was charged with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items in connection to the stabbing, according to a Fulton County Sheriff’s Office press release.
A fight erupted between Mr Brown and Mr Stillwell on the evening of 10 December — but it’s still not known what led to the fight. Mr Stillwell was “stabbed multiple times by Brown” and Mr Stillwell is in stable condition, the release stated.
The Independent has reached out to Mr Schardt for further information.
The stabbing has led to another delay in the trial which has already faced several setbacks.
Young Thug co-defendant in YSL Rico trial is stabbed in jail
14:50 , Kelly Rissman
This morning’s question: Will the trial continue as planned in light of the stabbing?
Waiting to hear if #YSL #YoungThug trial will go forward today following the stabbing of defendant Shannon Stillwell. Attorneys were told yesterday to show up this morning regardless. pic.twitter.com/LSz9KmKSKv
— Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) December 12, 2023
15:10 , Kelly Rissman
Two orders from Judge Glanville
After the stabbing of Shannon Stillwell, Judge Ural Glanville issued two orders today:
One - to allow Stillwell's attorneys to visit him at Grady Hospital.
Two - To order that once Stillwell returns to jail he is kept away from other defendants. @ajc #YSL #YoungThug pic.twitter.com/y77O5QaRsx— Jozsef Papp (@JozsefPapp_) December 11, 2023
15:41 , Kelly Rissman
YSL trial postponed until next year
Mr Shannon Stillwell, one of the six co-defendants on trial, was still not in court on Tuesday after news of his stabbing over the weekend broke on Monday. The court recessed for the day on Monday.
On Tuesday, Judge Glanville said the court was postponed until 2 January, according to AJC reporters.
19:56 , Kelly Rissman
What you missed so far
Both the prosecution and defence frequently make objections, delays are common, and courtroom chaos is ritual.
In the first week the case, jurors’ faces were shown in a livestream, prompting fears of a mistrial. A screenshot of the jurors sitting in the front row quickly circulated on social media. A prosecutor flagged this to the judge, saying relatives and friends may have seen the picture and sent it to the jurors, which “may impair their ability to be fair.” In response, the judge cautioned the proseuction from making the issue bigger than it was: “I’m not gonna weird them out and that’s the last I’ll say about it at this point in time.”
The case went on.
Another key point of this case hinges on definitions, mainly on the definition of YSL. The proseuction claims that YSL stands for Young Slime Life, which is a “criminal street gang,” while the defence insists that YSL is merely a record label: Young Stoner Life.
Mr Williams’ attorney Brian Steel made waves when he offered up a few other contested definitions in his opening remarks. He said that the YSL abbreviation derives from the logo for designer brand Yves Saint Laurent. Mr Steel also claimed that “thug” stood for “truly humble under God,” when describing his client’s rap name.
Meanwhile prosecutor Adriane Love, in her opening statement, referenced The Jungle Book: “For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.” She then consistently painted Mr Williams as the head of said “pack.” In the trial’s second week, Mr Williams sparked speculation that he was trying to send the prosecution a message by boasting a designer sweater emblazoned with a cartoon wolf. The sweater sold out days later.
Read the full story...
Young Thug, YSL and questionable lyrics: The controversial ‘gang’ trial is here
21:00 , Kelly Rissman
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.
Through these activities and more the gang aimed to “preserve, protect, and enhance the reputation, power and territory” of the enterprise, prosecutors said.
Through these activities and more the gang aimed to “preserve, protect, and enhance the reputation, power and territory” of the enterprise, prosecutors said.
