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Florida prosecutors formally dropped witness tampering charges against YNW Melly on January 20, 2026. The decision cancels a trial set for this week. His defense team now plans to seek his immediate release on bond while he awaits a double murder retrial in 2027.
YNW Melly secured a major win in court this week. Florida prosecutors dropped witness tampering charges against the rapper on January 20, 2026.
This decision halts a trial that was set to start on Wednesday. The state made the choice during a hearing just one day prior. His fans see this as a turning point.
Defense team seeks release
Melly’s lawyers welcomed the decision immediately. Attorneys Drew Findling and Carol Haughwout sent a clear statement to the press.
They claimed the state held Melly for too long on weak grounds. The lawyers noted that the charges had been pending for 652 days. Their team insisted no crimes took place.
Now, the team wants Melly out of jail. They plan to file for his release on bond soon. This move follows a trend of legal shifts, such as when Young Thug leaves Atlanta jail after surprise RICO plea.
The goal is to help him prepare for his next battle. His release would allow better focus on his defense.
Murder retrial remains
Melly still faces serious legal trouble despite this win. He has remained in custody since 2019 for double murder charges.
Authorities accuse him of killing two childhood friends in 2018. His first trial for these deaths ended in a mistrial in 2023. The state plans to try him again in January 2027.
Legal experts compare these long custody battles to other cases. For instance, the US frees Invictus Okeke from jail as deportation begins.
Prosecutors had accused him of hiding witnesses in the tampering case. They claimed he told his ex-girlfriend not to testify. Those claims are now gone.
The focus returns entirely to the murder case. Melly’s team intends to fight vigorously.
