YNW Melly’s defense and lead detective spar over “I did that” text as prosecution rests

Broward County prosecutors are preparing to rest their case in the double-murder trial of South Florida rapper YNW Melly, following the testimony of the lead detective in the original investigation, the Miami New Times reports. The prosecution’s case has focused on text evidence, forensic data, and crime scene reconstruction in lieu of an eyewitness to the 2018 killing of YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy, both members of Melly’s rap crew.

In his testimony, detective Mark Moretti focused on private texts and social media correspondances between Melly and others. In one of these messages, when asked how he was doing after the shooting, he allegedly told a gang-affiliated ally of his, “Shhh. I did that.” Other communications shown in court included arguments between Melly and the victims over money and creative credit, as per the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Following Moretti’s testimony, the defense argued for a mistrial (the second time they’ve done so) on the grounds that Moretti’s evidence is inconclusive and forces the jury to speculate, according to Miami’s ABC affiliate, Local 10 News.

The trial of Melly and his co-defendant, Cortlen “YNW Bortlen” Henry, began in mid June. Later in the month, Melly’s defense motioned for their first mistrial, arguing that the prosecution had unduly influenced jury members, but Broward County Circuit Judge John Murphy denied their motion. If either of the defendants is convicted, the prosecution may be able to seek the death penalty, based on a ruling issued by a Florida appellate judge in November of last year.