Young Thug trial told about alleged gun theft after jury debacle: Latest
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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 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.
Awkwardness erupted after the second witness to testify on Tuesday, Captain Pettis, said that he saw a group of men flashing gang hand signs, and later admitted during cross-examination that he had “no idea” what the signs meant.
Key points
Young Thug charged in sprawling RICO case
What is YSL?
Trial jurors were exposed on camera, but the trial continued anyway
14:52 , Kelly Rissman
ICYMI: After jurors were caught on camera, the trial went on
Rapper Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, has spent the week in court in Fulton County, Georgia, fighting gang and racketeering charges in connection with what prosecutors say is a violent street gang he co-founded called Young Slime Life (YSL).
During the third day of the trial on Wednesday, a camera mistakenly panned across the jury panel as a witness made their way to the stand to testify. Screenshots of the footage, in which parts of at least two of the jurors’ faces are shown, inevitably spread like wildfire online.
The incident prompted a lengthy delay of proceedings along with fears that a mistrial would ensue — after a grueling 11 months of jury selection, no less. But that didn’t happen.
Instead, Judge Ural Glanville instructed members of the media in the courtroom to stop filming the expert witness, an Atlanta Police detective, “due to some security issues” relating to the “inadvertent recording of some of our jurors in the front row.”
Read the full story...
13:00 , 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.
11:00 , Kelly Rissman
No fingerprints on the gun that Young Thug is accused of stealing
Monheim said there were no fingerprints collected from the firearms and he has no evidence that Young Thug even touched the firearm. @ajc #YSL
— Jozsef Papp (@JozsefPapp_) November 30, 2023
09:00 , Kelly Rissman
Trial jurors were exposed on video but the case is continuing anyway
At the start of Thursday’s proceedings, Judge Glanville opened by reminding the media: “Please make sure that you do not take any photos…of any of our jurors. We had a problem with that yesterday.” He acknowledged that yesterday’s incident “wasn’t intentional.”
Not long after the first witness of the day was called up to the stand, the court broke for recess and attorneys met with the judge privately.
Both parties returned to their seats and the judge then said, “I believe that we’ve addressed that issue yesterday with the request to be more mindful of the placement of cameras.”
But a prosecutor stood up, pointing out that after talking to the media in court last night, “the state has been made aware that this particular post has been shared a number of times and it is of concern for the integrity of this case.”
Young Thug trial jurors were exposed on video. The case is continuing anyway
07:00 , Kelly Rissman
Who testified on Thursday?
The prosecution called up six witnesses to testify — only one of them was shown on camera, likely as a precautionary measure following the slip up when the camera showed the jurors yesterday.
Mellissa Rosser is a “house mom” of an adult entertainment club. She testified about a carjacking incident in 2013.
Capt Reginald Pettis, of the APD, also testified about the same incident and the OnStar system that tracked the stolen vehicle to an apartment complex that he monitored.
Sgt Jonathan Heeb is discussing an August 2013 incident involving Mr Stillwell and “the green store.”
Lt Scott Jimenez also testified about the incident.
Andrew Phillips testified about goods — a laptop, two guns and a blanket — that were stolen from his home; Mr Williams aka Young Thug is accused of committing the theft in the indictment. He has pleaded not guilty.
Senior Patrol Officer Michael Monheim testified about the arrest of someone named Jeffery Williams.
05:00 , Kelly Rissman
Trial terms: What is a ‘studio gangster’?
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.
04:00 , Kelly Rissman
Detective discussed YSL identifiers
In court on Wednesday, Detective 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.
03:00 , Kelly Rissman
What’s happened in the YSL trial so far?
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.
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 not 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.
The trial began nearly an hour and a half behind schedule because a juror was late.
Read the full story...
Young Thug’s YSL trial kicks off with scoldings, ‘wasted time’ and no tempo
02:00 , 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.
01:00 , Kelly Rissman
Thursday’s court drama after jurors were captured on camera
Not long after the first witness of the day was called up to the stand, the court broke for recess and attorneys met with the judge privately.
Both parties returned to their seats and the judge then said, “I believe that we’ve addressed that issue yesterday with the request to be more mindful of the placement of cameras.”
But a prosecutor stood up, pointing out that after talking to the media in court last night, “the state has been made aware that this particular post has been shared a number of times and it is of concern for the integrity of this case.”
“That’s in your pleas,” Judge Glanville said, adding, “If you make it an issue, then I think you draw attention when you may not necessarily need to.”
“It’s very possible” that jurors may have been contacted by family members or friends that “may impair their ability to be fair,” the prosecutor continued.
Read the full story...
Young Thug trial jurors were exposed on video. The case is continuing anyway
00:00 , Kelly Rissman
ICYMI: Testimony from this morning from Mellissa Rosser
In Young Thug’s RICO trial, Mellissa Dees-Rosser, a “house mom” at the Pink Pony South strip club outside Atlanta, testifies about getting carjacked on her way home from work.
“I guess my mind knew something was about to happen, something that wasn’t good.” pic.twitter.com/yqNOF8uq8Y— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) November 30, 2023
Thursday 30 November 2023 23:00 , Kelly Rissman
Who testified on Thursday?
The prosecution called up six witnesses to testify — only one of them was shown on camera, likely as a precautionary measure following the slip up when the camera showed the jurors yesterday.
Mellissa Rosser is a “house mom” of an adult entertainment club. She testified about a carjacking incident in 2013.
Capt Reginald Pettis, of the APD, also testified about the same incident and the OnStar system that tracked the stolen vehicle to an apartment complex that he monitored.
Sgt Jonathan Heeb is discussing an August 2013 incident involving Mr Stillwell and “the green store.”
Lt Scott Jimenez also testified about the incident.
Andrew Phillips testified about goods — a laptop, two guns and a blanket — that were stolen from his home; Mr Williams aka Young Thug is accused of committing the theft in the indictment. He has pleaded not guilty.
Senior Patrol Officer Michael Monheim testified about the arrest of someone named Jeffery Williams.
Thursday 30 November 2023 22:55 , Kelly Rissman
The court will not be in session on Friday
The court is adjourning for the day and will return on 4 December.
The judge told jurors that they needed to tell him “immediately” if someone on social media reached out to them, perhaps anticipating people trying to contact jurors after some of their faces were accidentally exposed on camera yesterday.
Thursday 30 November 2023 22:45 , Kelly Rissman
Mr Brian Steel cross-examined Mr Monheim
Mr Steel, the defence attorney, pointed out that Mr Monheim was not a part of the burglary investigation.
He also suggested that Mr Williams was “cooperative,” to which Mr Monheim agreed.
Mr Steel then picked up the gun in question. He was “making everyone nervous” by how he was holding the weapon, the judge joked, but asked him to hold the firearm differently.
Thursday 30 November 2023 22:28 , Kelly Rissman
The ‘stolen’ gun, discussed
Mr Monheim said the gun recovered from the Dodge Challenger was “reported stolen for a burglary” in Buckhead on 10 July 2013.
He said he took out a warrant for Mr Williams’ arrest, including possession of a controlled substance.
When asked where Mr Williams was sitting and what he was wearing, he described Mr William sin front of him, adding that he was wearing a black turtleneck sweater. “The officer has identified the defendant Jeffery Williams,” Ms Love said.
Mr Williams remained stoic.
Thursday 30 November 2023 22:11 , Kelly Rissman
The expected last witness takes the stand
The prosecution called Senior Patrol Officer Michael Monheim of the APD to the stand.
Mr Monheim talked about the traffic stop of a Dodge Challenger; the driver said he didn’t have a driver’s license, the patrol officer said. The driver gave his name as “Jeffery Williams,” Mr Monheim said, and described him as a young Black man with long braids.
The officer said he arrested the driver, and noticed a “clear plastic bag with blue pills” in the cup holder and a 9mm handgun underneath the front passenger seat.
Thursday 30 November 2023 22:00 , Kelly Rissman
Cross-examination of the witness
Keith Adams, a defence attorney, cross-examined Mr Phillips. He asked him about the serial number; Mr Phillips said that law enforcement confirmed the serial number was the same as the one he told them.
Mr Adams asked if he could tell the jury that this gun was his by the serial number. Mr Phillips said he couldn’t recall the serial number off the top of his head.
The witness was temporarily released him.
Thursday 30 November 2023 21:46 , Kelly Rissman
As the jury breaks, a defence lawyer makes some asks
Young Thug's attorney Brian Steel has a motion about the state's next witness to ensure some things are not mentioned.
— Jozsef Papp (@JozsefPapp_) November 30, 2023
Thursday 30 November 2023 21:40 , Kelly Rissman
Andrew Phillips is now testifying
Mr Phillips was living in Buckhead, GA with his wife. He is testifying about the first overt act that deals with Young Thug.
After returning from vacation, he noticed one of his house doors was ajar, prompting him to call the police. “There were no signs of any forced entry,” Mr Phillips said.
He said he noticed some items were missing: his wife’s Apple laptop, a blanket, a handgun and a shotgun.
The prosecution showed him a gun; Mr Phillips said the gun looked like his, with one notable feature being an insignia that is only issued to Navy SEALs. (He is not a Navy SEAL, he said, but liked it.)
Like the last three witnesses, Mr Phillips is also not being shown on camera.
Thursday 30 November 2023 21:30 , Kelly Rissman
WATCH: This week in review as the fourth day of the trial is underway
Thursday 30 November 2023 21:12 , Kelly Rissman
Scott Jimenez takes the stand
In the fourth witness of the day, the prosecution’s next witness is an APD lieutenant.
He was also discussing the incident involving Mr Stillwell in 2013.
Thursday 30 November 2023 20:56 , Kelly Rissman
Who is Shannon Stillwell?
Sgt Jonathan Heeb is discussing an August 2013 incident involving Mr Stillwell.
According to the indictment, Stillwell is “an associate of YSL, did commit the felony offense of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, in violation of Georgia law pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30)(1), which is an act of racketeering activity under O.C.G.A. § 16-14-3 (5)(A) (xxxvi), and an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy.”
Thursday 30 November 2023 20:30 , Kelly Rissman
ICYMI: Drama has consumed the court after jurors faces were exposed
During the third day of the trial on Wednesday, a camera mistakenly panned across the jury panel as a witness made their way to the stand to testify. Screenshots of the footage, in which parts of at least two of the jurors’ faces are shown, inevitably spread like wildfire online.
The incident prompted a lengthy delay of proceedings along with fears that a mistrial would ensue — after a grueling 11 months of jury selection, no less. But that didn’t happen.
Instead, Judge Ural Glanville instructed members of the media in the courtroom to stop filming the expert witness, an Atlanta Police detective, “due to some security issues” relating to the “inadvertent recording of some of our jurors in the front row.”
At the start of Thursday’s proceedings, Judge Glanville opened by reminding the media: “Please make sure that you do not take any photos…of any of our jurors. We had a problem with that yesterday.” He acknowledged that yesterday’s incident “wasn’t intentional.”
Thursday 30 November 2023 20:00 , Kelly Rissman
Sergeant Heeb takes the stand
The judge asked the media to not take a photo or video of the witness, Sgt Heeb of the Atlanta Police Department.
Mr Heeb talked about the “green store,” where he testified that narcotics were sold.
Thursday 30 November 2023 19:45 , Kelly Rissman
WATCH: Viral moment this morning when a prosecutor voices concern about jurors’ exposed faces
Prosecutors in Young Thug’s trial are concerned about the virality of the screenshots showing the jurors yesterday, but Judge Glanville isn’t and says stop drawing attention to it.
He indicates the court hasn’t told jurors about this.
“I’m not going to weird them out,” he said. pic.twitter.com/rSEdShLY5V— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) November 30, 2023
Thursday 30 November 2023 19:23 , Kelly Rissman
Trial delayed — again
The trial of YSL was supposed to resume at 2pm after an hour-long lunch break but 20 minutes after 2pm, the trial is yet to restart.
This morning showed two witnesses, a woman whose car was hijacked in 2013 and a police captain who was dressed as a plain clothes officer who responded to the incident.
Thursday 30 November 2023 18:15 , Kelly Rissman
The firearm that Trontavious Stephens allegedly had during the incident was shown to the witness
The gun Trontavious Stephens allegedly had during the incident was just shown to Pettis and the jury after a quick inspection from Young Thug’s attorney Keith Adams. @ajc #YSL pic.twitter.com/M7NI3GSqCM
— Jozsef Papp (@JozsefPapp_) November 30, 2023
Thursday 30 November 2023 18:03 , Kelly Rissman
The court is on lunch and will resume at 2pm
After hearing from two witnesses this morning about the events leading up to and following a carjacking incident that occurred in January 2013, the court is taking a lunch break.
Thursday 30 November 2023 18:00 , Kelly Rissman
A bit about Trontavious Stephens
Mr Stephens took a plea deal in 2022, saying he committed aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on 25 January, 2013 “by pointing at, toward and in the direction of Reginald Pettis with said firearm, placing Reginald Pettis in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving a violent injury,” according to the indictment.
Thursday 30 November 2023 17:45 , Kelly Rissman
Reginald Pettis testifies
Captain Pettis works for the Atlanta Police Department covering southeast Atlanta.
He is not being shown on camera.
Mr Pettis was asked about an incident on 25 January, 2013 — a carjacking. The car’s OnStar system tracked the vehicle to where it was parked at an apartment complex. Mr Pettis said he saw the driver of the car, who was described as a Black man in black clothing.
The driver and other men came out of the apartment that he was monitoring “yelling obscenities” while signaling to roll the windows down. He said there were middle fingers and “gang sings being thrown.” One man, who was “most violent with his hand signals,” showed that he had a pistol, and then pointed the weapon at Mr Pettis and his partner, he testified.
Some defence attorneys questioned the police captain’s knowledge of gang signs. “What was the gang sign being thrown that day?” Keith Adams asked, to which the witness replied, “No idea.”
Thursday 30 November 2023 17:30 , Kelly Rissman
Ms Rosser is cross-examined
Her car was recovered six days by law after it was stolen, the defence attorney said, and then asked whether Ms Rosser was told who had stolen the car. She said police had given her two names, which she did not recognize; Ms Rosser was never asked to identify anyone at the time, she said.
Thursday 30 November 2023 17:15 , Kelly Rissman
Jurors were exposed on video but the case is still continuing
Drama consuming the Young Thug trial reached new heights as some jurors’ faces were exposed on a livestream from the courtroom.
Rapper Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, has spent the week in court in Fulton County, Georgia, fighting gang and racketeering charges in connection with what prosecutors say is a violent street gang he co-founded called Young Slime Life (YSL).
During the third day of the trial on Wednesday, a camera mistakenly panned across the jury panel as a witness made their way to the stand to testify. Screenshots of the footage, in which parts of at least two of the jurors’ faces are shown, inevitably spread like wildfire online.
The incident prompted a lengthy delay of proceedings along with fears that a mistrial would ensue — after a grueling 11 months of jury selection, no less. But that didn’t happen.
Read the full story...
Young Thug trial jurors were exposed on video. The case is continuing anyway
Thursday 30 November 2023 16:59 , Kelly Rissman
Ms Rosser on the stand
She described an incident after leaving the club on a Friday morning in January 2013, after working overnight, driving a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu around 4.30am.
As Ms Rosser was turning into her subdivision, she felt a car hit her, she testified. Thinking it was a “fender bender,” she got out of her car, greeted the other driver — “a Black young man” — who greeted her back, when she saw someone else “rising up” from the other car while the first person got into her car.
She initially tried to grab something sentimental from her car from the left passenger door, when she ultimately decided against it. Both cars then drove off, Ms Rosser said. She then sought help from a neighbour.
Thursday 30 November 2023 16:43 , 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.
Thursday 30 November 2023 15:28 , Kelly Rissman
Mellissa Rosser takes the stand
Ms Rosser said she works three jobs; one of them entails her being a “house mom” of adult entertainment clubs, ensuring that everyone has a permit, interviewing the women who work there, and “breathalyzing everyone” in the club.
Shortly after she was introduced, the court is already taking a recess.
Thursday 30 November 2023 15:07 , Kelly Rissman
Judge acknowledged camera slip-up
Yesterday in court, a livestream captured some members of the jury’s faces. Photos of the livestream then circulated social media, prompting fears that a mistrial would ensue. But that didn’t happen.
Today, the judge started by saying, “please make sure that you do not take any photos or the camera is not visible...to any of our jurors. We had a problem with that yesterday.” He acknowledged that yesterday’s incident “wasn’t intentional.”
Thursday 30 November 2023 14:52 , Kelly Rissman
Day 4 of the trial is about to begin
In just a 20 minute delayed start today, the witness testimony is expected to continue into the fourth day of the trial.
Thursday 30 November 2023 14:00 , Kelly Rissman
Detective discusses YSL identifiers
In court on Wednesday, Detective 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.
Thursday 30 November 2023 12:00 , Kelly Rissman
What is a ‘studio gangster’?
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.
Thursday 30 November 2023 10:00 , 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.
Thursday 30 November 2023 08:00 , 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.
Thursday 30 November 2023 06:00 , 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.
Thursday 30 November 2023 05:00 , 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”
Thursday 30 November 2023 04:00 , 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...
Young Thug’s YSL trial kicks off with scoldings, ‘wasted time’ and no tempo
Thursday 30 November 2023 03:00 , 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.
Thursday 30 November 2023 02:00 , Kelly Rissman
“Truly Humble Under God”
One clip of Brian Steel, Young Thug’s lawyer, has gone viral after he told jurors that “thug” stands for “truly humble under god.”
Young Thug’s lawyer explains what “Young Thug” means: "Truly Humbled Under God. That's what Thug means." pic.twitter.com/MCf04Rn5m4
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 28, 2023
Thursday 30 November 2023 01:00 , 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 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.”
Young Thug’s lawyer explains what “Young Thug” means: "Truly Humbled Under God. That's what Thug means." pic.twitter.com/MCf04Rn5m4
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 28, 2023
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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
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.
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.
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...
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.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
