YNW Melly is not free and remains behind bars, and he does not yet have a release date as he hasn’t been sentenced.
Rapper YNW Melly, born Jamell Demons, is not free as of December 2025.
The Florida artist has been incarcerated since February 2019 after being arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
The charges relate to the October 2018 shooting deaths of Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams, who were longtime friends and fellow members of the YNW collective.
Despite spending more than six years in custody, Melly has not been convicted, and no final verdict has been reached in his case.
His prolonged detention continues to attract national attention due to the length of time he has remained jailed without a resolution.
Trial Outcome and Mistrial Explanation
YNW Melly’s first trial began in June 2023 and was one of the most closely watched hip-hop-related court cases in recent years.
After weeks of testimony and deliberation, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision.
The result was a mistrial due to a hung jury, meaning Melly was neither found guilty nor acquitted.
Because no verdict was reached, prosecutors retained the right to retry the case.
Melly remained in custody following the mistrial, with judges ruling that he should not be released while awaiting a new trial.
Important points from the first trial include:
- No unanimous verdict was reached
- No conviction or acquittal was issued
- The case was cleared for retrial
Is YNW Melly Free Right Now?
YNW Melly is not free and remains behind bars as of December 2025.
Multiple motions requesting bond or pretrial release have been denied by Florida courts.
His defense team proposed conditions such as house arrest, GPS monitoring, limited visitors, and private security supervision.
Judges rejected those proposals, citing the severity of the charges and concerns raised by prosecutors.
As a result, Melly continues to be held without bond while the case proceeds.
Where Is YNW Melly Now?
As of December 2025, YNW Melly is incarcerated within Florida’s detention system.
He has been transferred between facilities during his time in custody, including periods in Broward County detention centers.
He is held under standard pretrial detention conditions rather than serving a sentence.
Melly has publicly raised concerns about the conditions of his confinement through legal filings.
Those complaints have included claims related to prolonged isolation and treatment while incarcerated.
Federal judges have dismissed those lawsuits, stating that proper legal remedies must first be exhausted at the state level.
Retrial Status and Expected Timeline
After the mistrial, prosecutors announced plans to retry YNW Melly.
The retrial was initially expected to take place in 2025.
However, multiple legal challenges, appeals, and procedural disputes caused further delays.
As of December 2025, the retrial is scheduled for January 2027.
That date remains subject to change if additional motions or appeals are filed.
Factors contributing to the delay include:
- Appeals over admissible evidence
- Disputes involving witness-related issues
- Ongoing legal motions from both sides
Release Date Possibilities
YNW Melly does not currently have a release date.
Because he has not been convicted, no sentence has been imposed.
At the same time, because bond has been denied, he cannot be released while awaiting trial. His freedom depends entirely on the outcome of future court proceedings.
If acquitted at retrial, Melly would be released immediately. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment under Florida law.
Public Reaction and Music Career Impact
Melly’s case continues to spark debate among fans, legal analysts, and members of the music industry. Supporters argue that his extended pretrial detention is excessive and unfair.
Critics counter that the seriousness of the charges justifies strict detention policies. Despite being incarcerated, Melly’s music has continued to circulate online.
Previously recorded material and features have kept his name active within hip-hop culture.
However, his ability to record new music or participate in industry activity remains severely limited.
YNW Melly’s Future
YNW Melly is still in jail as of December 2025. He has not been convicted or sentenced. He has not been granted bond or house arrest.
YNW Melly’s retrial is scheduled for January 2027. His release depends entirely on future court rulings.
