YNW Melly co-defendant YNW Bortlen has just been granted bond and house arrest.
Melly and Bortlen had both been both charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of accessory after the fact for allegedly killing YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser in 2018 and staging it to look like driveby.
Melly is still locked up without bail, despite suffering from COVID. However, the 21-year old's lawyers believe the state of Florida lacks sufficient evidence against Melly, especially since neither Melly nor Bortlen are talking.
“The court has already found the release of the defendant should occur. Indeed, the state has opposed in every way the release of the Defendant in its determined effort to coerce the Defendant to testify against his Co-Defendant, which he refused to do," reads the document.
This isn't the first we've heard about the state's weak case against Melly. His former lawyer Bradford Cohen -- who always has his hands full with Kodak Black -- predicted an acquittal or dismissal earlier this year.
"This will be a very interesting trial, I am no longer representing Melly in this matter, but I predict a not guilty based on all the evidence I have reviewed. He has some very fine attorneys that I believe will be able to secure a favorable verdict. I also think that bond will be granted given the weakness of the evidence. Never rush to judgement in cases until you see everything," Cohen explained.
Update: Or maybe not. Bortlen's attorney just called Melly's fans delusional and Melly a cold-blooded killer.
The Melly fans thinking he’s getting released are beyond delusional. He’s not getting released unless a jury says so and there is evidence he killed these young men in cold blood. Whether you like his music or not, these families deserve justice. https://t.co/0x1x8uReWk
— John M. Phillips (@JohnPhillips) May 25, 2020
Update: Jamell Demons aka @YNWMelly’s co-defendant Cortlen Henry aka @YNWBortlen was granted bond and house arrest. Melly remains in jail until trial. The victim’s family understands the release but does not agree with it. They hope for full justice and safety of all witnesses. pic.twitter.com/JDVNK6TTAW
— John M. Phillips (@JohnPhillips) May 24, 2020