Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to YNW Melly

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to YNW Melly.

YNW Melly, born Jamell Maurice Demons, is an American rapper and singer who gained prominence in 2018 with his hit song "Murder on My Mind." The song's dark themes and trap sound propelled him to mainstream attention. However, his career took a drastic turn when he was arrested and charged with the double-murder of two fellow rappers in the YNW collective in 2019. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and he remains incarcerated. Before his legal troubles, Melly released the well-received mixtapes 'I Am You' (2018) and 'We All Shine' (2019) after signing with 300 Entertainment. "Murder on My Mind" peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

October 19, 2015: Arrest for Aggravated Assault

On October 19, 2015, YNW Melly was arrested for aggravated assault and firearm charges, after firing shots at three people near Vero Beach High School. He spent a year in jail.

2015: Arrest for Shooting Incident

In late 2015, YNW Melly was arrested for shooting at 3 students near Vero Beach High School and was subsequently convicted of aggravated battery and other charges, leading to juvenile detention.

2017: Suspect in Sheriff's Deputy Murder

In 2017, YNW Melly became a suspect in the murder of a sheriff's deputy in Gifford.

2017: Arrest for Probation Violation

In 2017, YNW Melly was arrested for violating his probation.

2017: Shooting of Deputy Garry Chambliss

In 2017, off-duty Indian River County Sheriff's Department deputy Garry Chambliss was fatally shot in Gifford.

June 30, 2018: Arrest in Fort Myers

On June 30, 2018, YNW Melly was arrested in Fort Myers, Florida for possession of marijuana, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and drug paraphernalia.

October 2018: Shooting Deaths of YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy

In October 2018, YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy were fatally shot in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

January 3, 2019: Arrest in Fort Myers

On January 3, 2019, YNW Melly was arrested in Fort Myers for possession of marijuana.

February 13, 2019: Charged with Premeditated Murder

On February 13, 2019, YNW Melly was charged with two counts of premeditated murder in connection with the October 2018 shooting deaths of YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy.

February 2019: Arrest and Murder Charges

In February 2019, YNW Melly was arrested and charged with two counts of premeditated murder, facing life without parole or the death penalty if convicted.

February 22, 2019: Suspect in 2017 Deputy Shooting

On February 22, 2019, Complex reported that YNW Melly was a suspect in the fatal 2017 shooting of an off-duty deputy.

March 2019: Not Guilty Plea

In March 2019, YNW Melly pleaded not guilty to the double-murder charges.

2019: Double-Murder Charge and Incarceration

In 2019, YNW Melly faced a double-murder charge of two fellow rappers in the YNW collective, resulting in an ongoing legal battle and incarceration.

April 2, 2020: COVID-19 Diagnosis

On April 2, 2020, YNW Melly tested positive for COVID-19 while in prison and sought early release due to health concerns.

November 30, 2021: Trial Date Set

On November 30, 2021, YNW Melly's double murder trial was initially set for March 7, 2022.

March 7, 2022: Trial Delayed

On March 7, 2022, YNW Melly's double murder trial was delayed.

May 23, 2022: Trial Reset

On May 23, 2022, YNW Melly's double murder trial was reset.

May 26, 2022: Speedy Trial Request

On May 26, 2022, YNW Melly's defense team submitted a speedy trial request, which would require the trial to commence within 175 days.

June 6, 2022: Another Delay for Trial

On June 6, 2022, YNW Melly's double murder trial was delayed again.

July 6, 2022: Capital Punishment Removed

On July 6, 2022, it was announced that YNW Melly would no longer face capital punishment if convicted.

November 9, 2022: Capital Punishment Reinstated

On November 9, 2022, an appellate judge overruled the previous decision, making YNW Melly once again eligible for capital punishment if sentenced.

April 11, 2023: Jury Selection Begins

On April 11, 2023, Jury selection began for YNW Melly's double murder case.

June 12, 2023: Trial Begins

On June 12, 2023, YNW Melly's double murder trial began.

July 22, 2023: Mistrial Declared

On July 22, 2023, YNW Melly's double murder trial was declared a mistrial after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict.

September 22, 2023: Bond Denied

On September 22, 2023, Broward Circuit Judge John Murphy declined to grant YNW Melly bond as he awaits his new trial.

October 2, 2023: New Trial Set

On October 2, 2023, YNW Melly's a new trial was set.

January 2024: Retrial Paused

As of January 2024, YNW Melly's retrial is paused and awaiting adjudication for the inclusion of digital evidence.

January 2024: Trial Put on Hold

In January 2024, YNW Melly's trial was put on hold indefinitely after a judge's ruling to suppress evidence prompted prosecutors to file an appeal.