YNW Melly Back in Court as Key Witness Released from Jail

South Florida rapper YNW Melly, real name Jamell Demons, appeared in court Friday as his ex-girlfriend, a crucial witness in his double murder retrial, fought for her release from jail.

Melly is accused of murdering his friends, Christopher Thomas Jr. and Anthony Williams, in 2018 in Miramar. His first trial ended in a mistrial in 2023. Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend, Mariah Hamilton, had spent 12 days in Broward County Jail for civil contempt after failing to testify in the trial.

Hamilton missed a court-ordered appearance in 2023 and later left the country, leading to her arrest. In court Friday, she agreed to attend all future hearings and remain in contact with her attorney and prosecutors. Judge Martin S. Fein ruled that she could be released but must wear an ankle monitor.

“Miss Hamilton, if someone subpoenas you, whether it’s the state or the defense, you have to answer,” Fein stated.

Her attorney argued for full freedom, but Fein upheld her monitoring based on Florida statute 902.15, which allows this legal action in cases punishable by life or the death penalty.

Earlier in the day, Melly’s defense clashed with Judge Fein over a Broward Sheriff’s Office investigation into his lead attorney. Additionally, prosecutors charged Melly and alleged accomplice Cortlen Henry with witness tampering, claiming they conspired to prevent testimony in his case.

As the retrial approaches, the case continues to draw intense legal battles and public attention.