Young Thug, YSL RICO Trial: No decision by judge on possible mistrial, court adjourned

ATLANTA - After a several-hour delay on Thursday morning, the judge in the Young Thug and YSL RICO trial in Fulton County dismissed everyone for the day without explanation.

The trial will resume at 9 a.m. Monday. 

According to multiple social media posts, defense attorneys spent the morning meeting with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Chief Deputy District Attorney Adriane Love to discuss potential plea deals before a mistrial was declared.

FOX 5 Atlanta has not been able to independently confirm that information. However, one of the defense attorneys indicated to FOX 5 that something significant would be happening on Monday.

The Young Thug and YSL RICO trial is the longest criminal trial in history for the state of Georgia. Today is Day No. 151. 

Judge Paige Reese Whitaker said on Wednesday that she would not grant a mistrial with prejudice, meaning that the case could not be retried. However, she did indicate she would consider granting a mistrial without prejudice.

There are currently 5 individuals on trial with Jeffery Williams, aka Young Thug. It will be up to each defendant whether they decide to accept a plea deal from the state. Some of the defendants are facing more serious charges, including murder, than others.

It is possible that the defendants who are able to plead to lesser charges and avoid jail may choose to do so in order to avoid another lengthy and expensive trial. 

LIST OF DEFENDANTS

Jeffery Williams (Young Thug or Slime): Conspiracy to violate RICO, 2 counts of participation in criminal street gang activity, 3 counts of violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a machine gun.

Maquavius Huey (Qua): Conspiracy to violate RICO, 3 counts of armed robbery, 4 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, 4 counts of possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, hijacking a motor vehicle in the first degree, 4 counts of participation in criminal street gang activity, possession of a weapon by an incarcerated individual, and possession of a telecommunication device by an incarcerated individual.

Deamonte Kendrick (Yak Gotti): Conspiracy to violate RICO, murder (2015 murder of Donovan Thomas), participation in criminal street gang activity, 3 counts of violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a machine gun, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon previously convicted of a felony involving the use or possession of a firearm.

Quamarvious Nichols (Qua): Conspiracy to violate RICO, murder (2022 murder of Shymel Drinks), 2 counts of participation in criminal street gang activity, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon previously convicted of a felony involving the use or possession of a firearm, and 2 counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Rodalius Ryan (Lil Rod): Conspiracy to violate RICO. Currently serving life in prison for the 2019 murder of Jamari Holmes.

Shannon Stillwell (Shannon Jackson or SB): Conspiracy to violate RICO, 2 counts of murder (2015 murder of Donovan Thomas Jr. and 2022 murder of Shymel Drinks), 2 counts of participation in criminal street gang activity, 2 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon previously convicted of a felony involving the use or possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

EARLIER STORY

The judge presiding over the YSL RICO trial is considering declaring a mistrial following a prosecutor's misstep in court on Wednesday, marking the latest development in the 11-month-long case against rapper Young Thug and several co-defendants accused of violating Georgia's anti-racketeering and gang laws.

The incident occurred when rapper Slimelife Shawty, one of the original 28 defendants, took the stand. The prosecutor asked him to review social media posts to identify others involved in the case. While doing so, the witness read aloud the caption "FREE QUA," revealing information that the jury was not supposed to know regarding which defendants were incarcerated.

Nicole Westmoreland, one of the attorneys for Quamarvious Nichols, immediately raised concerns. "Now the jury has repeatedly heard about Mr. Nichols being in jail, being in prison, and we cannot unring that bell, so we will ask for a mistrial," Westmoreland said.

SEE ALSO: Georgia Supreme Court reverses contempt order for Young Thug’s attorney Brian Steel

In response, Judge Paige Whitaker of Fulton County Superior Court temporarily excused the jury from the courtroom to hear arguments from Nichols’ defense. Westmoreland further argued, "It is painfully obvious that the state is not prepping the witnesses."

The misstep is the latest twist in a trial marked by numerous courtroom clashes. Earlier this year, defense attorneys sought a mistrial over an ex parte conversation between a witness, the prosecutor, and the previous judge.

Westmoreland expressed his frustration with repeated issues in the trial, stating, "It’s happening over and over again, your honor, and we’re not going to be able to unring 100 bells."

Judge Whitaker acknowledged the gravity of the situation but clarified that a mistrial with prejudice—where the state would be barred from retrying the case—was not an option. However, she noted that a mistrial without prejudice, which would allow the state to retry the case, remains a possibility.

"So everybody will have not wasted 10, 12 months of their lives in this trial," Judge Whitaker remarked, emphasizing that such a decision would be a last resort.

SEE ALSO: Antonio ‘Mounk Tounk’ Sledge has 5 years of probation revoked

The judge has not indicated when she will rule on the petition for a mistrial. Meanwhile, the trial, already the longest in Georgia state history, is expected to resume on Thursday.

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.