Rapper Melly Faces New Hearing in 2018 Double Murder Case

A motions hearing is being held Monday for South Florida rapper Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, as he faces renewed legal proceedings in the 2018 double murder case of his childhood friends. The rapper, who has been in custody since his arrest in February 2019, is accused of killing Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr., who rapped under the names Juvy and Bortlen, respectively, after a late-night recording session.

Demons’ first trial ended in a mistrial in July 2023 after the jury failed to reach a verdict. Prosecutors allege that he staged the deaths to look like a drive-by shooting. The case has drawn significant public attention due to its dramatic narrative and Melly’s rising music career, which includes the hit song