YNW Melly Has Been Hit With A Wrongful Death Suit In The Murders Of His Two Friends

While YNW Melly is currently behind bars awaiting trial for the murders of his two friends, the Florida rapper is now being sued by the victims’ families.

Melly, who’s real name is Jamell Maurice Demons, is accused of killing longtime friends Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams in October 2018. After allegedly shooting them inside of a vehicle, Melly and Cortlen “YNW Bortlen” Henry staged the murders as a drive-by shooting. The 21-year-old and his fellow YNW member were arrested in February 2019 and charged with first degree murder. They are accused of murdering their fellow crew members over a money dispute. 

The estates of Thomas and Williams filed the wrongful death suit before Florida’s two-year statute of limitations expired. The court doc claims that “damages are in the millions or tens of millions of dollars or more.” The civil suit means that a jury could decide whether or not the victims’ families are entitled to monetary damages. For Melly, this could mean that there is a slim chance that he will only have to pay the damages and avoid a prison sentence. However, considering the cell phone video that seemingly depicts the rapper confessing to the murders, it is unlikely that he will dodge prison.

“In a wrongful death such as this, no amount of money will make the family whole, make the family happy,” attorney John M. Phillips, the lawyer representing Thomas’ family, said in a statement to Complex. “But that’s the way the civil justice system works.” 

The suit also names Melly’s mother Jamie Demons-King and his manager, Jameson Francois. On the night of the murder, Francois allegedly transported the “Murder On My Mind” star from the scene of the crime. 

If Melly is convicted of the murders, he could face the death penalty.