Jailed Rapper YNW Melly Is Denied Early Release Despite Testing Positive For COVID-19

Jailed Rapper YNW Melly Is Denied Early Release Despite Testing Positive For COVID-19

Update #2 (Wednesday, April 15): A COVID-19 diagnosis wasn’t enough to convince a judge to release jailed rapper YNW Melly. While his lawyers expressed concern over him not getting proper treatment, the judge who denied his request said he can get the needed medical treatment via the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office said in a statement released to Pitchfork, 

“BSO follows the Florida Department of Health and CDC guidelines in regards to the testing of inmates. Inmates who test positive are medically isolated, treated and monitored in accordance with the Florida Department of Health and CDC guidelines. If an inmate who has tested positive shows signs of acute symptoms he or she will be transferred to a hospital.”

Original Story: Underground hip-hop fans were shocked last year when rapper YNW Melly (real name, Jamell Maurice Demons) was arrested and charged with the double-murder of two of his friends. But in more shocking news, he could be released from prison under a medical motion filed by his attorney. Melly recently tested positive for COVID-19, according to SunSentinel (better known as the coronavirus). Pictured with his mother, his official Instagram page revealed his condition to fans:

“Melly has tested positive for COVID-19 today while awaiting his trial in Broward County Jail. He’ll be filing a motion for restricted release in hopes of better care due to any jails not being prepared to treat this new virus. He hopes for your support and to recover soon #prayformelly send positive energy to him please”

His page later revealed that one other inmate in the Broward Country Jail where he’s being held has contracted the virus as well.

YNW Melly’s attorney, Bradford Cohen, confirmed the news, detailing plans for his release:

“Yes he has tested positive for COVID-19. I am currently representing him for the emergency motion for his conditional release.”

Bradford continued:

“The jails and prisons in this country are creating an extremely dangerous situation by not providing hand sanitizer and proper hygiene care. I have prepared and will be filing an emergency motion in the morning for his conditional release.”

The Soundcloud rapper came to fame in 2017 for his single, “Murder On My Mind.” Ironically, Florida police argued that he staged drive-by bullet holes on the outside of his car to cover evidence that he, in fact, shot and killed his friends – Christopher Thomas, Jr. and Anthony Williams.

Yikes! Will YNW Melly be released to treat his case of the coronavirus? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Written by Miata Shanay