Juror in YSL RICO case requests dismissal due to lengthy proceedings

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – The YSL RICO trial took an unusual turn Tuesday when a juror expressed frustration with the lengthy trial and asked to be dismissed because of the slow pace of the prosecution’s case. The juror sent two emails to Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker, initially stating that the length of the trial affected his ability to remain impartial.

“Due to the length of this trial and how the state is handling this case, I am requesting to be removed from the current case. I will be prejudiced against any verdict moving forward,” the juror wrote, as read by Judge Whitaker. The juror, who requested to leave the case months ago, also expressed his concerns about the possibility of the case being extended for another 3 to 6 months.

Judge Whitaker responded by suggesting that the juror’s complaints might have been an attempt to withdraw from the case, saying: “I think it was a ploy to get out of a case that he was tired of dwelling on because it was taking up his time.”

After further discussion with the juror, Judge Whitaker ruled that the juror should continue to serve on the jury after assuring the court that he could remain fair and impartial. He also informed the juror that the case was expected to be concluded before the end of the year.

This development follows recent plea deals from four defendants, including Young Thug, whose legal name is Jeffery Williams. With these agreements, only two defendants, Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, also known as Yak Gotti, remain on trial.

Judge Whitaker instructed the jury Monday to ignore the absence of some defendants and not speculate about their reasons for leaving.

“The prosecution of these co-defendants is no longer part of this case,” Whitaker said, emphasizing that jurors should base their decisions solely on the evidence presented and make individual determinations for each defendant.

What are the remaining defendants in the YSL Case accused of?

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

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

Twelve people are being tried separately. Prosecutors dropped charges against a defendant convicted of murder in an unrelated case.

PREVIOUS STORY: Several remaining defendants rejected plea deals

What is Young Thug doing now?

After making several cryptic posts on X (formerly known as Twitter), Young Thug joined Clifford “TI” Harris in a video posted to Instagram early Tuesday morning.

RELATING TO: Young Thug’s cryptic social media posts stir fans and signal possible new music

The post’s caption reads “Kings Reassembled” and “I think I’m officially out of retirement.”

in October, TI announced He said he would retire after 96.1 The Beat’s annual Jingle Ball at State Farm Arena on Dec. 19.

Frankly, Young Thug’s fans have been waiting to hear his plans for new songs.