#Socialites, get a load of this! After 19 days of long hearing arguments, Judge John Murphy shared an unexpected update.
Closing arguments finished on Thursday and the case was handed over to the Broward jury. Murphy asked the jury to give deliberations another chance to see if they can agree on a verdict. He told them that he would even give them a short break and if their attempt failed, he would tell the jury he would then have to declare a mistrial in the case and dismiss them… which he ultimately had to do this Saturday.
In a video taken by @lawandcrime, Judge John Murphy officially declared a mistrial. He announced in court earlier today, “We’re still unable to reach a unanimous decision so at this time I’m going to declare a mistrial.”
Melly was seen smiling from ear to ear after the decision was made.
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So What Does A Mistrial Mean?
For clarity, it doesn’t mean Melly would be found innocent in his double murder case. A mistrial is a legal term that refers to a situation in which a trial is terminated before its natural conclusion due to some error, misconduct, or other circumstances that prevent the case from proceeding fairly. In simpler terms, it means that the trial has been declared invalid and must be started again from the beginning.
Mistrials can occur for various reasons. For example, if there is a serious procedural error during the trial, such as jury misconduct or improper admission of evidence, it may result in a mistrial. Additionally, if there is new evidence discovered during the trial that significantly impacts the outcome of the case, the court may declare a mistrial to ensure fairness. Or if the jury can’t unanimously reach a verdict.
It’s important to note that declaring a mistrial does not mean that the defendant is acquitted or found guilty. It simply means that the current trial cannot continue and a new trial will need to take place.
Mistrials are relatively rare occurrences but are essential in upholding justice and ensuring fair trials. They provide an opportunity for both sides to present their cases without any prejudicial errors or misconduct influencing the outcome.
More On The Case
As we previously reported, YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, is facing two first-degree murder charges in the Oct. 26, 2018 killings of 21-year-old Anthony Williams and 19-year-old Christopher Thomas in Miramar.
What The Heck Happened?
Demons, Williams, and Thomas were all riding in a Jeep driven by Cortland Henry, known as YNW Bortlen, after a studio session in Fort Lauderdale when Demons allegedly fatally shot Williams and Thomas, prosecutors previously said. Henry is charged as an accomplice in the case but will be tried separately. Authorities believe Demons and Henry staged the crime scene to resemble a drive-by shooting. The 24-year-old has pleaded not guilty. He faces a possible death sentence if convicted.