Young Thug, YSL RICO Trial: Kenneth Copeland says he thinks state released video
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Kenneth "Lil Woody" Copeland is back on the stand Wednesday morning, and Young Thug's lawyer, Brian Steel, has introduced new evidence into the trial.
A series of recorded phone calls made by Copeland from the Fayette County Jail in February 2023 includes Copeland admitting that he fabricated information in an attempt to manipulate his way out of jail.
Copeland acknowledges that he tried to "finesse" the authorities by making false claims, specifically about Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams.
Copeland also told the courtroom that state prosecutors visited him in jail, and he informed them at that time that he had been lying during the police interviews in 2015.
Additionally, Copeland stated that he believes the state prosecutors leaked an interrogation video online, which harmed his reputation and put his family in danger.
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Copeland: I don't know who did it.
Steel: Do you have a belief who did it?
Copeland: Yes.
Steel: And who are you referring to who did that?
Prosecution: Objection, relevance, who he believes. It goes to his state of mind. It's speculation.
Steel: It goes to his state of mind on the conversations that he's referring to. It puts it in context.
Copeland: I don't know.
Steel: Who did you believe put out the videos on the internet of your interrogation or the video?
Copeland: The state.
Steel: And by the state, the same people you've been referring to?
Copeland: I can't say specifically with them, but the state did it.
Steel: And what did that have an effect on you or your family when you believe the state of Georgia put out your interrogation?
Copeland: Well, they believe I'd be, if everybody say I'm a snitch, you know, this man third, they believe that I'd be like, okay, and just do what they want me to do.
ORIGINAL STORY
On the 119th day of the Young Thug and YSL trial, defense attorney Steel continued his questioning of Kenneth Copeland, focusing on a June 10 ex parte meeting and Copeland's motivations for testifying. Steel suggested that Copeland felt pressured by the state to cooperate, but Copeland offered little response, prompting Steel to shift his focus to interviews played by the prosecution.
Lil Woody loses cool in court: 'I'm tired of it'
Kenneth Copeland, known as "Lil Woody," grew frustrated in court Tuesday while explaining that he was tired of being a witness in the Young Thug, YSL RICO trial. He vented about his time at the Fulton County Jail on the stand and said hit led to a "dark" phase in his life.
Steel then questioned Copeland about Young Thug's alleged involvement in the 2015 murder of Donovan "Nut" Thomas, including the claim that Young Thug rented the car used in the crime. Copeland denied any truth to lyrics in a Young Thug song that seemed to reference the murder. The defense also delved into a music video and social media posts related to Copeland's song "Homicide," and Copeland's interactions with police shortly after Thomas' murder.
At one point during questioning, Copeland became emotional, describing the harsh conditions he faced in jail, including foul smells, chaotic environments, and severe stress that has affected his health. Steel also reviewed Copeland's legal history, including his numerous charges and plea deals over the years.
As the day concluded, Judge Whitaker halted the proceedings, with Steel indicating he would likely finish his questioning the next morning. The next witness expected to testify is Antonio "Mounk Tounk" Sledge, a former YSL member who pled guilty to conspiracy charges and agreed to cooperate with the prosecution.
Young Thug and 27 others were indicted in 2022 for violating Georgia's RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) law and committing multiple violent crimes. Following the longest jury selection in history (10 months), the trial for Young Thug and several co-defendants began in November 2023. It is now the longest trial in Georgia history. Prosecutors are attempting to prove that YSL (Young Slime Life) is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous offenses, including murder. The defendants maintain that YSL stands for Young Stoner Life and is the name of a record label founded by Young Thug. Young Thug is facing eight criminal charges. The trial has been plagued by various disruptions, including illnesses, the arrests of a juror and a lawyer, the stabbing of defendant Shannon Stillwell, the removal of the judge originally assigned to the case, and more.