Kendrick linked to murder in YSL trial's concluding phase
- Prosecutors accused the final two defendants in the YSL trial of committing murder for the gang.
- Evidence presented included social media posts and surveillance footage related to violent acts.
- Jurors are expected to start deliberations soon, weighing the severe allegations against the defendants.
The long-running gang and racketeering trial centered around the Young Slime Life (YSL) gang, which was co-founded by rapper Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams. Closing statements were held after nearly a year of testimony involving several defendants accused of violent crimes, including murder. The last two defendants, Kendrick and Stillwell, were implicated in the murder of Shymel Drinks, motivated by retaliation for the killings of two YSL associates. Prosecutors presented evidence including social media posts, footage from the scene, and witness testimonies which they argued showed a pattern of violent activities linked to gang members. Jurors were scheduled to begin deliberations soon to determine the fate of the remaining defendants, all of whom are black men, leading to discussions about the appropriateness of prosecutorial focus on their music and lyrics. Defendants from the indictment prior to the ongoing trial had accepted plea deals, leaving the remaining accused to face serious charges in a racially charged atmosphere regarding gang violence in Fulton County, Georgia.