The long running case tied to YNW Melly has taken another turn after his co defendant, Cortlen “YNW Bortlen” Henry, agreed to a plea deal just one day before jury selection was set to begin.
Bortlen had originally been facing two counts of first degree murder with a firearm along with two counts of accessory after the fact, in addition to a separate 2023 witness tampering case. Under the new agreement, he pleaded no contest to the accessory and tampering charges, which led to the dismissal of the more severe murder allegations. The deal requires him to serve 10 years in prison followed by six years of probation, while also committing to cooperate with prosecutors and provide testimony in related proceedings.
Attorney John M. Phillips, who represents the family of Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams, responded to the development on socials. “As predicted, YNW Bortlen took the plea deal. He also agreed to a proffer—which means he’s talking,” Phillips wrote, hinting that Bortlen’s cooperation could have wider implications in both criminal and civil cases.
While Bortlen’s fate is set, YNW Melly remains behind bars awaiting a retrial. His first trial ended in 2023 when the jury could not reach a verdict. The second trial is scheduled for January 2027, where he will once again face two counts of first degree murder tied to the 2018 deaths of Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams.
Melly, best known for his breakout hit “Murder on My Mind,” has since changed his legal team, adding high profile attorneys Drew Findling and Carey Haughwout to represent him. He has also claimed he is being subjected to harsh conditions inside Broward County Jail, an allegation that has fueled ongoing debate about his treatment.