Last 2 defendants in Young Thug trial found not guilty of murder and gang charges

The lengthy and complex gang and racketeering trial that led to Atlanta rapper Young Thug pleading guilty in October has finally come to a conclusion. On Tuesday, the last two defendants were found not guilty of racketeering, murder, and gang-related charges.

Deamonte Kendrick, known as Yak Gotti in the music industry, was acquitted of all charges, while Shannon Stillwell was found guilty only of gun possession. This verdict marks the end of a trial that spanned nearly two years, with jury selection starting and opening statements made a year prior. The original indictment charged 28 individuals with violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, using song lyrics and social media posts as evidence.

Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, had already pleaded guilty in October to gang, drug, and gun charges. He was released on probation following his plea deal.

Kendrick and Stillwell were implicated in a 2015 drive-by shooting outside an Atlanta barbershop that resulted in the death of Donovan Thomas Jr., also known as “Big Nut,” who prosecutors alleged was part of a rival gang. Stillwell was additionally charged with the fatal shooting of Shymel Drinks in 2022, purportedly in retaliation for the killings of two YSL gang members days earlier.

Despite the acquittal of Kendrick and the partial guilty verdict for Stillwell, the Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis faced criticism for her use of the state’s anti-racketeering law in this case. Critics argued that the evidence presented by the state, including song lyrics and social media posts, was flawed and unreliable.

The defence attorneys for Kendrick and Stillwell contended that the state’s case was built on shaky evidence and witness testimony, creating a misleading narrative about young men using music as an escape from challenging circumstances.

The trial’s outcome left Kendrick’s mother, Tasha Kendrick, emotional and relieved. The rapper Young Thug, who founded the Young Slime Life group associated with the Bloods gang, was also mentioned in the trial, with some of his songs presented as evidence.

Despite the verdicts, Williams’ release on probation with strict conditions, and the ongoing legal battles for other defendants, the Atlanta rap scene has been significantly impacted by this trial. Young Thug, who rose from humble beginnings to achieve success in the music industry, faced serious legal challenges that have reverberated throughout the community.

As the trial comes to a close, the defence attorneys for Kendrick and Stillwell are focused on securing their release from jail and addressing any pending charges. The case has highlighted the complexities of prosecuting gang-related crimes and the challenges of using creative works like song lyrics as evidence in a court of law.