Fulton County prosecutors have shifted their approach regarding their main witness in Young Thug’s trial, now classifying him as a hostile witness. This development comes as jurors reconvene after nearly two months in a significant criminal trial in Georgia.
Kenneth Copeland, also known as Lil’ Woody, frequently responded with “I don’t recall” when questioned by prosecutors about the 2015 shooting death of Donovan Thomas and other offenses that the Fulton County district attorneys are attempting to connect to Young Thug and the alleged YSL gang.
Copeland has been granted immunity, which means his testimony cannot be used against him. However, if he chooses not to testify, he may face the possibility of being held in contempt of court.
During his testimony on Monday, Copeland admitted to lying to police multiple times regarding crimes they were attempting to associate with the internationally renowned rapper. He stated that he provided the authorities with whatever information he believed would help him avoid trouble and incarceration.
“Like I told you before you all called me to trial, I have lied, I made things up,” he told prosecutors on the stand.
However, later on Monday afternoon, Copeland acknowledged that he and a friend fired shots in September 2014 at a barbershop owned by the father of rapper Rich Homie Quan, resulting in Corey Lamar, the rapper’s father, being hospitalized.
When questioned about his motive by Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Symone Hilton, Copeland stated that the shooting was intended “to send a message” that “we ain’t the ones to play with.”
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker asked the jurors if they could disregard some of Copeland’s earlier testimony, noting that he had not received adequate legal representation during his first appearance in June. All jurors affirmed that they could do so.