The question on many fans’ minds is: What is the YNW Melly release date? Since his 2019 arrest for double murder, rapper YNW Melly has remained behind bars as legal proceedings continue. While his music career still resonates with fans around the world, his future depends on the outcome of his highly anticipated retrial. In this article, we explore the timeline of his career, the details of the charges, and everything we know about the upcoming court dates that could determine his fate.
About YNW Melly
Born on May 1, 1999, in Gifford, Florida, Jamell Demons was raised by his single mother. He chose the stage name YNW Melly, with “YNW” symbolizing a creative collective he formed with longtime friends to pursue music together.
Melly began uploading music as a teen and was quickly recognized for his ability to weave raw emotion into catchy, melodic tracks. His early life was also marked by run-ins with the law, which would later foreshadow the much more serious legal troubles to come.
YNW Melly’s Career
Melly’s career took off in 2018 with the viral hit “Murder on My Mind”, an eerily prophetic track that gained millions of streams. Following its success, Melly released:
- I Am You (2018)
- We All Shine (2019): Featuring Kanye West on “Mixed Personalities”
- Melly vs. Melvin (2019): His highest-charting album to date
- Just a Matter of Slime (2021): Released while incarcerated
- Young New Wave (2024): Featuring artists like Hotboii and YNW BSlime
Despite being jailed, Melly has managed to maintain a music presence, further highlighting the loyalty of his fanbase and the strength of his catalog.
The Double Murder Charges
In October 2018, YNW Melly’s close friends and fellow YNW crew members, Anthony Williams (YNW Sakchaser) and Christopher Thomas Jr. (YNW Juvy), were shot and killed.
What Authorities Allege
Police allege that Melly conspired with Cortlen Henry (YNW Bortlen) to murder the two men. According to the investigation:
- Melly shot both victims from inside the car.
- Bortlen then staged a fake drive-by shooting, firing into the vehicle’s exterior to make it appear like they were ambushed.
- The two drove around with the bodies before bringing them to Memorial Hospital Miramar, where both were pronounced dead.
Key Evidence Presented
- Ballistics: Indicate gunshots came from inside the vehicle, not outside.
- Phone data: GPS placed Melly at the scene.
- Social media & texts: Show possible intent or motive.
- Surveillance footage: Undermines the story of a random drive-by.
- Gunshot residue: Found inside the vehicle, not consistent with an external shooter.
Authorities have not confirmed a definitive motive, but they believe it involved internal group disputes or power dynamics within the YNW collective.
First Trial & Mistrial
Melly’s trial began in June 2023 in Broward County, Florida. After 19 days of testimony, the jury deliberated for three days but was unable to reach a unanimous decision, resulting in a mistrial on July 22, 2023.
Sources say the jury was split 9-3 in favor of conviction, but not on first-degree murder — some jurors leaned toward lesser charges.
Upcoming Retrial
After several months of legal motions and delays, a retrial has been officially scheduled to begin on September 10, 2025. This delay is partly due to:
- Disputes over DNA and digital evidence
- Legal wrangling around text messages and phone data
- A separate case of witness tampering involving Melly and Bortlen
The pretrial hearing for the tampering case is set for December 5, 2024.
YNW Melly Release Date
As of now, YNW Melly is still incarcerated at the Paul Rein Detention Facility in Pompano Beach, Florida. He has filed lawsuits against the jail alleging inhumane treatment, including being denied basic communication rights and access to family.
There is no confirmed release date for YNW Melly. His future depends entirely on the outcome of the September 2025 retrial. If acquitted, he could be released shortly after. If convicted of first-degree murder, he could face life in prison or the death penalty under Florida law.
Summary
YNW Melly’s case is one of the most high-profile legal dramas in hip-hop history. From a breakout star with millions of fans to an accused double murderer, his life has taken a dark turn. While his music still resonates with listeners, the outcome of his retrial in 2025 will ultimately decide whether Melly’s story continues in the music world or inside a prison cell.