The trial will start with opening arguments Monday after jury selection in the case went on for nearly a year.
Topline
Opening arguments will start Monday in the trial of rapper Young Thug and five co-defendants on racketeering and other charges, as Fulton County, Georgia, district attorney Fani Willis alleges the Grammy-winning rapper led a gang who took part in criminal activities including alleged murder.Key Facts
Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was indicted in May 2022 with 27 co-defendants from “YSL,” or Young Slime Life, which prosecutors allege is a “criminal street gang” whose members have “preserv[ed], protect[ed] and enhanc[ed]” its power and reputation through acts including “murder, assault and threats of violence.”
The indictment accuses members of the gang, which Williams allegedly started in 2012 in Atlanta’s Cleveland Avenue area, of crimes including aggravated assault, armed robbery, hijacking of a motor vehicle, participation in criminal street gang activity and drug possession, which are all part of an alleged racketeering conspiracy.
Only six defendants will go to trial Monday after others had their cases severed or took plea deals: Williams, Marquavius Huey, Deamonte Kendrick (also known as Yak Gotti), Quamarvious Nichols, Rodalius Ryan and Shannon Stillwell.
Opening arguments are taking place Monday after jury selection in the case stretched on from January to November 1.
Williams faces charges of racketeering, participation in criminal street gang activity, possession of codeine with intent to distribute, cocaine possession, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony and possession of a machine gun, and while he hasn’t been charged with murder, prosecutors allege he rented a car that was used in the commission of a murder of a rival street gang member.
