YNW Melly has officially replaced his legal team as he prepares to face his double murder re-trial head-on.
A Broward County judge granted the rapper’s request to swap out his attorneys during a hearing on Wednesday. The “Murder On My Mind” star named Drew Findling and Carey Haughwout as his new defense team. They’re stepping in to take over from Raven Liberty, Stuart Adelstein, Daniel Aaronson, and others who’ve been representing him throughout his lengthy legal battle. Findling has represented other rappers such as Cardi B, Gucci Mane, and DaBaby.
The decision comes in light of a possible conflict of interest involving Liberty, who is under investigation by the Broward Sheriff’s Office. While details of that investigation remain sealed, it raised enough red flags for Melly to request a legal shake-up as he continues to fight for his freedom.
His filing read, “Mr. Demons’ [Melly] current team may be unable to fully litigate this issue without fear of further recrimination in the criminal case against one of the team.”
Judge Martin Fein asked Melly to confirm the decision directly in court.
“Yes, sir,” Melly replied.
Fein reminded Melly that switching lawyers doesn’t guarantee a delay. The retrial remains scheduled for January 6th, 2027.
Melly is accused of killing friends Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr. in 2018. His alleged accomplice, Cortlen Henry, known as YNW Bortlen, took a plea deal earlier this month and was sentenced to 10 years for charges related to the murders.
