Young Thug's Trial Ends in Mistrial
- Georgia judge declared a mistrial in the racketeering and gun conspiracy case against rapper Young Thug and five co-defendants.
- The trial was the state's longest-running criminal trial, ending abruptly.
- The outcome of the trial remains uncertain as the mistrial was declared.
The trial of hip-hop artist Young Thug, who has been incarcerated since his 2022 arrest on conspiracy and gang-related charges, has resumed under new Superior Court Judge Paige Whitaker. The trial was previously paused due to the recusal of Judge Ural Glanville, although the reasons for his removal were not disclosed. Judge Whitaker emphasized her impartiality as she welcomed jurors back to the courtroom, which had been inactive since June when the prosecution was presenting its case. Young Thug, 32, faces serious allegations of leading the Young Slime Life (YSL) gang, with charges including murder, armed robbery, drug dealing, and carjacking. The prosecution argues that the case is part of a broader effort to address escalating violence in south Atlanta. The trial has drawn significant attention, including comments from former President Donald Trump, who suggested that Young Thug is being treated unfairly by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Key testimony has come from Kenneth Copeland, a former associate of Young Thug, who was granted immunity in exchange for his cooperation. During his testimony, Copeland frequently claimed he could not recall details about a 2015 shooting, leading to his characterization as a "hostile witness." The defense has raised concerns about the prosecution's tactics, with Young Thug's attorney, Brian Steel, previously filing motions for mistrial and recusal, which were denied by Judge Whitaker. If convicted, Young Thug and his co-defendants could face prison sentences ranging from five to 20 years, as the trial continues to unfold amidst a backdrop of legal and public scrutiny.