YNW Melly has reportedly pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder.
According to reports, Melly, born Jamell Demons, has entered a not guilty plea, while Bortlen’s arraignment is scheduled for next week.
As previously reported, the South Florida rapper was arrested on Feb. 13 by police in connection with the investigation into the deaths of 21-year-old Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams and 19-year-old Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. Melly’s associate, YNW Bortlen (née Cortlen Henry) was also arrested and charged. In addition to facing charges of double murder, Bortlen was also hit with two counts of accessory after the fact.
Last month, it was reported that police claim Melly and Bortlen staged a drive-by shooting in an attempt to cover up the alleged murder of their friends on October 26, 2018. At the time of their passing, Melly publicly mourned their deaths on social media.
According to documents filed by Miramar Police Department investigators on Feb. 14, their investigation found evidence from the scene of the shooting that does not corroborate with Melly and Bortlen’s original statements. Investigators claim Williams and Thomas were shot from inside of the Jeep Compass they were riding in with Melly and Bortlen. Police also claim that Melly was the shooter, as well as that Melly and Bortlen drove around with the bodies in the vehicle before heading to the hospital.
Taking to Instagram in February, Melly commented on the matter and explained that he would be voluntarily turning himself in to authorities.
“I am turning myself in today I want you guys to know I love you and appreciate every single one of y’all,” he wrote. “A couple months ago I lost my two brothers by violence and now the system want to find justice.”
More on this story as it develops.