A co-defendant in the trial of rapper Young Thug in Atlanta was found not guilty on all charges, dealing another blow to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.
Deamonte Kendrick, also known as Yak Gotti, was acquitted Tuesday of murder, racketeering and gang-related charges in a sweeping trial that saw Young Thug freed in October.
Kendrick and more than two dozen others were accused of being part of the Young Slime Life (YSL) gang and charged under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act.
Kendrick, who wore a Prada tie in the courtroom, looked relieved as Judge Paige Reese Whitaker read: “Mr. Kendrick, you have been found not guilty on all charges.”
He made the sign of the cross before kissing his fingers as his lawyer put a comforting arm around him, video taken by Fox 5 DC showed.
Kendrick was later seen with his head down and his hands folded as he said a quiet prayer before smiling and catching his breath from his seat in the courtroom.
The trial was one of the longest in Georgia history, stemming from Willis’ May 2022 indictmentalleging that YSL was involved in gang activity responsible for violent crime and murder under the RICO Act.
The defendants argued that the organization was actually a legitimate record label known as Young Stoner Life, according to Fox 5 DC.
Deamonte Kendrick, also known as Yak Gotti, was acquitted Tuesday of murder, racketeering and gang-related charges in a sweeping trial that saw Young Thug freed in October. Kendrick, who wore a Prada tie in court, appeared relieved and made the sign of the cross (pictured) after being told he was not guilty
The trial was one of the longest in Georgia history and stemmed from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ sweeping indictment in May 2022
Another co-defendant in the case, Shannon Stillwell, was also acquitted Tuesday of murder, racketeering and gang-related charges, but was found guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon who had previously been convicted of a crime involving a firearm.
Stillwell, wearing a blue Louis Vuitton sweater, made an appearance momentarily relieved as he hugged his attorney after Whitaker read the verdict.
Because of his recidivism, Stillwell, also known as SB, was sentenced to the maximum sentence for the charge, which was 10 years. He will serve only two years of probation, with time served counted.
Stillwell, among others, was charged with the murder of Shymel Drinks, a rival gang member. Songs released by members of YSL were reviewed as evidence.
The most prominent defendant in the case, Young Thug – whose real name is Jeffery Williams – was released after pleading guilty and taking a non-negotiated plea deal in October.
He was sentenced to five years in prison, commuted to prison, and fifteen years’ probation, followed by twenty years in prison. He can avoid jail time by adhering to the terms of his probation Newsweek.
Williams was released from prison on October 31.
The trial had many disruptions, including the arrest of a juror and a lawyer, and the stabbing of Stillwell and Kendrick in jail.
Another co-defendant in the case, Shannon Stillwell, was also acquitted Tuesday of murder, racketeering and gang-related charges. He was found guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon who had previously been convicted of a crime involving a firearm
The most prominent defendant in the case, Young Thug – whose real name is Jeffery Williams – was released after pleading guilty and taking a non-negotiated plea deal in October.
Kendrick received five staples in the head and was treated for minor injuries after his stabbing 11 Alive.
According to Fox 5 DC, the original judge was also removed from the case.
Many of the others charged in the case have taken plea deals.
Willis has suffered several career blows this year.
After filing a damning election interference case against Donald Trump, her former lover Nathan Wade admitted in Congress in October that he was involved in a plot to take down the former president.
The couple has been embroiled in scandal since their romantic and financial affair came to light after Willis named Wade “special prosecutor” in the 2020 election interference case against Trump.
A Georgia judge dismissed two charges against Trump, saying Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee said prosecutors did not have the right to bring the charges.
McAfee allowed the rest of the case to proceed, including eight charges against Trump.
Trump and 14 co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to racketeering and other charges stemming from what prosecutors allege was a scheme to overturn Trump’s narrow defeat in Georgia in the 2020 election.
The case has been on hold since June while a Georgia appeals court considers whether Willis should be disqualified for alleged misconduct related to her romantic relationship.