Georgia’s longest-running criminal trial came to an end on Tuesday, with a Fulton County jury finding two defendants, Deamonte “Yak Gotti” Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell, not guilty on most charges in a case that initially included rap superstar Young Thug.
The trial, which began in January 2023, was part of a sweeping indictment under Georgia’s RICO law, accusing members of Young Slime Life (YSL) of operating as a violent gang in Atlanta. Kendrick and Stillwell faced allegations of conspiracy and murder, including a 2015 drive-by shooting and a 2022 killing of alleged rival gang members. The jury ultimately cleared them of all charges except one—a felony firearm conviction for Stillwell.
The high-profile case originally involved 28 co-defendants, including Young Thug (real name Jeffery Lamar Williams), who prosecutors accused of leading YSL as both a record label and a gang. Over time, plea deals and separate proceedings reduced the number of defendants tried together. The trial saw dramatic delays, including a stabbing in jail, the recusal of the original judge, and alleged drug exchanges in court.
For months, Fulton County prosecutors argued that YSL was deeply involved in criminal activities, using social media posts and song lyrics from Young Thug and other artists as evidence of gang affiliations. They claimed YSL members used “intimidation, destruction, and death” to maintain control and sought to link the group’s music to its alleged crimes.
The defense fired back, calling the case a thinly veiled attack on artistic freedom. Doug Weinstein, Kendrick’s lawyer, mocked the state’s focus on clothing colors and social media photos as proof of gang activity. He questioned how music and style choices could be used to convict someone of serious crimes.
Shannon Stillwell’s attorney, Max Schardt, told jurors the prosecution’s case was built on unreliable witness testimony and circumstantial evidence. “The state hasn’t proven their case,” Schardt argued. “And certainly not beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Young Thug, whose trial has been separate from the remaining co-defendants, took a plea deal earlier this year. His agreement commuted a 40-year sentence to time served and probation, ensuring his release. The rapper, known for hits like “Stoner” and collaborations with Drake, Travis Scott, and Childish Gambino, faced intense scrutiny throughout the proceedings. Critics of the case argued that using his lyrics as evidence set a dangerous precedent for artists everywhere.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who led the case, has defended her aggressive approach. Willis, also involved in the election interference case against Donald Trump, faced backlash for her reliance on rap lyrics and social media posts to make her case.
The trial has reignited conversations about Georgia’s RICO law and how it’s applied, particularly in cases involving hip-hop artists. Critics argue that it unfairly targets Black musicians, weaponizing their creativity as criminal evidence. Supporters of the prosecution, however, say it’s a necessary tool in combating gang violence.
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