YNW Melly wants a major shake-up in his legal team, claiming the people trying to convict him are also going after his lawyer. The Florida rapper, born Jamell Demons, has officially requested to change attorneys in his double murder retrial after learning one of his defense lawyers, Raven Liberty, is under investigation.
“The prosecution has left us in the dark, and I can’t continue with a team that might have its own legal problems,” Melly’s team wrote in a recent filing.
His co-counsel, Jamie Benjamin, added, “Melly is looking out for himself, as he should. But this situation could hurt his right to fair representation.”
Melly’s new defense will now include seasoned Palm Beach attorney Carrie Haughwout and Atlanta’s Drew Findling, known for representing Cardi B and even Donald Trump.
Melly faces serious charges in the 2018 murders of his close friends Christopher Thomas Jr. and Anthony Williams. He could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted. His original trial ended in a hung jury, and now his retrial isn’t expected to resume until 2027.
A judge has yet to approve the attorney change, but courtroom fireworks are likely far from over.
