The jury considering the fate of Jamell “YNW Melly” Demons finished up its first full day of deliberations Friday, continuing to debate his guilt or innocence even after telling the judge that they were deadlocked.
Broward Circuit Judge John J. Murphy read the instruction known as an “Allen charge,” which directs jurors to make a concerted effort to reach unanimous agreement to hold off a mistrial. Jurors signaled just after 2 p.m. that they had made up their minds but could not agree on whether Demons is guilty of murdering his former friends Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams and Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas in October 2018.
After receiving the instruction, jurors continued deliberating until after 5 p.m., a total of nine hours over two days.
A unanimous verdict is required to convict the defendant or to find him not guilty and set him free.
Prosecutors say Demons, 24, was seated in the back of a Jeep driven by another friend and fellow rapper, Cortland “YNW Bortlen” Henry, when he shot and killed Thomas and Williams without apparent provocation.
Defense lawyers say the defendant and victims were close friends and that Demons had no reason to kill them. No weapon was ever found, and while the jury has not indicated the reason behind the deadlock, it appears to be struggling to convict without those issues resolved.
If an unanimous verdict is not reached, Murphy will declare a mistrial and the process of trying Demons will begin anew, starting with the selection of a new jury.
If that happens, prosecutors would be able to reconsider whether to pursue the death penalty against Demons, a prominent young rapper who made a name for himself with hits like “Murder on My Mind.” Demons, Henry and the victims were part of what’s known as the “YNW Collective,” a group of rappers who grew up together as friends and worked together.
According to trial testimony and evidence, Demons was upset because the other members of the group were getting money and creative credit that belonged to him, but it was never clear that his grievance amounted to a motive for murder.
The jury is sequestered, and deliberations will resume Saturday morning.
Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457.
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, looks up as members of his defense team confer while the jury deliberates at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, July 21, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, looks up as members of his defense team confer while the jury deliberates at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, July 21, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, right, better known as rapper YNW Melly, speaks with a member of his defense team as the jury deliberates at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, July 21, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, center, better known as rapper YNW Melly, stands with defense attorneys Raven Ramona Liberty and Stuart Adelstein as the jury enters the room to hear a witness’s testimony read back in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, July 21, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Judge John Murphy shows attorneys a note from a juror in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, July 21, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, is shown at the defense table as a question from the jury is read by the judge in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, July 21, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Judge John Murphy receives a question from the jury from Broward Sheriff’s Office court deputy Gary Toth in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, July 21, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Defense attorneys Stuart Adelstein, center, and David Howard speak with Broward Sheriff’s Office court deputy Gary Toth as the jury deliberates in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, July 21, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, is shown at the defense table before closing arguments in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Asst. State Attorney Kristine Bradley stands in front of a diagram of the trajectory of bullets into the car as she gives her closing argument in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, is shown at the defense table during closing arguments in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Asst. State Attorney Kristine Bradley shows a photograph of an alleged gang sign as she gives her closing argument in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Defense attorney Stuart Adelstein motions towards Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, during closing arguments in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Asst. State Attorney Kristine Bradley motions towards the defendant as she gives her closing argument in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Judge John Murphy speaks with attorneys during a sidebar discussion during closing arguments in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Judge John Murphy reads jury instructions before closing arguments in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, stands with his attorneys,Raven Ramona Liberty, left, and Stuart Adelstein, as jurors enter the courtroom for closing arguments in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, greets his attorney, David Howard, as he enters the courtroom for closing arguments in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, enters the courtroom for closing arguments in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Defense attorney Raven Ramona Liberty speaks with Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, as jury instructions are read in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Judge John Murphy speaks with attorneys in a sidebar discussion during the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 17, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Defense attorney Stuart Adelstein shows Miramar Police detective Mark Moretti documents as he questions him during the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 17, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, speaks with defense attorney Raven Ramona Liberty during a break in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 17, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, is shown at the defense table during his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 17, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, is escorted from the courtroom at the lunch break during his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 17, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, is shown during his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, is shown during his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, is shown during his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Treveon Glass enters the courtroom to testify during the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 10, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. Glass was with the defendant during a recording studio session on the night of the murder. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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After a monitor the witness was attempting to hide behind was lowered, Treveon Glass answers the judge’s questions after Glass was found to be texting and taking a phone call while on the stand during a recess in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 10, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. Glass was with the defendant during a recording studio session on the night of the murder. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Judge John Murphy speaks to attorneys in a sidebar discussion during the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 10, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Treveon Glass testifies during the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 10, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. Glass was with the defendant during a recording studio session on the night of the murder. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Treveon Glass is sworn in to testify during the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 10, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. Glass was with the defendant during a recording studio session on the night of the murder. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, left, and his defense attorney, Stuart Adelstein, speak at the defense table during his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 10, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, left, greets his defense attorney, Stuart Adelstein, as he enters the courtroom during his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 10, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, left, and his defense attorney, Stuart Adelstein, are shown at the defense table during his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 10, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, is shown at the defense table during his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 10, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, smiles as he enters the courtroom during his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 10, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, speaks with his defense attorney, Raven Ramona Liberty, during his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 10, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, looks up as his defense attorney, Raven Ramona Liberty, speaks during his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, July 10, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Broward Sheriff’s Office Detective Danny Polo, whose face is concealed because he works undercover, testifies during the trial for Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly confers with his attorney, Stuart Adelstein at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Broward Sheriff’s Office Detective Danny Polo, whose face is concealed because he works undercover, testifies during the trial for Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly listens to proceedings at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Broward Sheriff’s Office Detective Danny Polo, whose face is concealed because he works undercover, testifies during the trial for Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Broward Circuit Judge John J. Murphy lll, during the trial for Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Broward Circuit Judge John J. Murphy lll, during the trial for Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Broward Circuit Judge John J. Murphy lll, meets with the attorneys in a sidebar during the trial for Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Broward Circuit Judge John J. Murphy lll, during the trial for Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly confers with his attorney, Stuart Adelstein at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Broward Sheriff’s Office Detective Danny Polo, whose face is concealed because he works undercover, is sworn in to testify during the trial for Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly listens to proceedings at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Broward Sheriff’s Office Detective Danny Polo, whose face is concealed because he works undercover, testifies during the trial for Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Prosecutor Kristine Bradley during the trial for Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly speaks with defense attorney Stuart Adelstein at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly is seen at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly speaks with defense attorney Stuart Adelstein at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly is seen in a video presented as evidence at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Felicia Holmes, mother of the girlfriend of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly testifies at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly is seen in a video presented as evidence at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel
Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, speaks to his attorney during a hearing in 2022. Jury selection is now underway in his murder trial.
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Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel
Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly is shown during a hearing before jury selection begins at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. His co-defendant, Cortlen Henry, is being tried separately and is due back in court in July.
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Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel
Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, speaks to his attorney during a hearing before jury selection begins at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on April 19, 2022.
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Defense attorney Stuart Adelstein holds up an evidence envelope containing a cell phone during his closing argument in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Defense attorney Stuart Adelstein, with Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at left, gives his closing argument in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Defense attorney Stuart Adelstein gives his closing argument in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, is shown at the defense table during closing arguments in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, is shown at the defense table during closing arguments in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, is shown at the defense table during closing arguments in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Defense attorney Stuart Adelstein, right, and Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, are shown at the defense table as the prosecution gives closing arguments in Demons’s trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)