Killer Mike and longtime music executive Lyor Cohen are among the standout names on the potential witness list for Young Thug‘s YSL RICO trial.
According to WSBTV‘s Michael Seiden, 28 individuals were named publicly to the witness list in addition to all co-defendants in the case and anyone named on the “State’s Witness List.”
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Killer Mike (real name Michael Render) is an Atlanta native whose recent track “Run” features Young Thug. Lyor Cohen co-founded 300 Entertainment with Kevin Liles which Thugga signed to in 2014.
Liles is among the potential witnesses as well. He previously took the stand to showcase his support for Young Thug earlier this year and called for the end of song lyrics being used against his signee in the courtroom.
Others who might potentially take the stand include Thug’s ex-girlfriend Jerrika Karlae, Sony Music executive Kelechi Aharanwa, and attorneys for Lil Duke (Ashleigh Merchant) and YSL co-founder Walter Murphy (Jacoby Hudson).
JUST IN: Music executives, rappers, entrepreneurs, city councilman and family members among 28 named witnesses who could potentially testify on behalf of Young Thug during trial. We're still working to get a copy of the State's witness list. @wsbtvpic.twitter.com/9Vfpy8mDtC
— Michael Seiden (@SeidenWSBTV) January 3, 2023
The high-profile trial is slated to begin on January 9. If convicted on murder charges, Young Thug could potentially face life in prison, according to DJ Vlad.
YFN Lucci won’t be one of the people taking the stand. The rapper’s attorney, Drew Findling, confirmed last week that his client won’t be testifying at the YSL trial despite Thugger allegedly ordering a hit against him in jail, which resulted in him being stabbed earlier this year.
Legal documents revealed there was a bounty on Lucci’s head and he begged the judge to sentence him to house arrest, but was denied.
Antonio “Obama” Sumlin, one of two men prosecutors believe was behind the stabbing, took a plea deal last week. The 32-year-old was sentenced to 15 years probation after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the RICO Act, two counts of conspiracy to commit a crime and participation in criminal street gang activity.
The number of YSL co-defendants who have taken a plea deal rose to eight on December 29, with the latest being Trontavious Stephens, who also goes by “Tick” and “Slug.” He will serve eight years probation after pleading guilty to a sole racketeering count.
Meanwhile, two defendants, Tenquarius “Nard” Mender and Derontae Bebee, bucked the trend by rejecting plea deals last week. They will now head to trial alongside Young Thug, with Nard facing 50 years in prison and Bebee facing a life sentence.
