On Thursday (Feb. 13), rapper YNW Melly was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, TMZ reports.
According to the Miramar Police Department, there was enough forensic evidence to link YNW Melly (real name Jamell Demons) and another suspect identified as Cortlen Henry in the double murder of two men believed to be former friends of Melly’s.
After conducting an investigation police are now reporting that the murders of Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr., pictured below, was not the result of a drive-by shooting. Melly is accused of shooting them last October and conspiring with Henry to stage the crime scene as such. Henry reportedly drove both men to Miramar Memorial Hospital where they were pronounced dead upon arrival.
“He’s sad, he’s upset, obviously. Those were his best friends,” Melly’s lawyer, Bradford Cohen, told the Sun Sentinel at the time of Williams and Thomas’ death.
The 19-year-old rapper issued a statement on Instagram addressing his recent arrest. “To all my fans and supporters no I did not get locked up in Washington , but I am turning myself in today,” he wrote. “I want you guys to know I love you and appreciate every single one of y’all.”
Melly continued, “[A] couple months ago I lost my two brothers by violence and now the system want to find justice.. unfortunately a lot of rumors and lies are being said but no worries god is with me and my brother [Cortlen].”
The rising rap star recently released a new music video with Kanye West for their song, “Mixed Personalities” in late January. He kicked off his “We All Shine Tour” in New York City on Feb. 11 in support of his 15-track album of the same name.
Earlier this year, Melly ran into trouble with the law when he was arrested on marijuana charges in South Florida.