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YSL RICO trial: Verdict reached for 2 defendants
More than a year after opening statements, the long-running Young Slime Life racketeering case ended Tuesday with a verdict. Fulton County jurors spent more four days deliberating and eventually found the final two defendants not guilty of the most serious charges they faced Including murder.
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - After an extensive and tumultuous trial, the jury reached verdicts for the two remaining defendants in the high-profile YSL RICO case in Fulton County on Tuesday morning.
Deamonte Kendrick, better known by his rap moniker Yak Gotti, was found not guilty on all charges. Shannon Stillwell, also known as SB, was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced to 10 years, with two years to serve—including time already served—and the remainder on probation.
The trial, one of the longest in Georgia history, stems from a 2022 indictment against Young Thug (Jeffery Williams) and 27 others.
Prosecutors alleged that Young Slime Life (YSL) operated as a criminal street gang responsible for violent crimes, including murder, under Georgia's RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) law. The defendants have consistently argued that YSL is a legitimate record label, Young Stoner Life.
The trial has been marked by numerous disruptions, including illnesses, the arrests of a juror and a lawyer, the stabbings of Stillwell and Kendrick in jail, and the removal of the original judge. Jury deliberations for Kendrick and Stillwell began last Tuesday following months of courtroom drama.
RELATED: YSL RICO Case: What happens now to the other defendants?
Kendrick and Stillwell faced multiple serious charges, including murder, conspiracy to violate RICO, and firearm offenses. During deliberations, jurors reviewed surveillance footage tied to the 2022 murder of Shymel Drinks, two rap songs submitted as evidence, and recorded calls. The jury deliberated approximately 16 hours before reaching a verdict.
Despite the jury's verdicts and sentencing, neither man will be released from prison on Tuesday. Kendrick still has three felony charges that are set to go to trial.
Just after the verdict, Deamonte Kendrick's mom celebrated.
"We got it right?" Kendrick's attorney Doug Weinstein asked Tasha Kendrick.
"We did it," she responded. "I feel damn good, I feel good."
"I am so glad the jury saw this case for what it was, it should never have been brought," Weinstein said.
"I think the world got to see how cases can be built the wrong way," said Stillwell's attorney Max Schardt.
Attorneys said after the verdict, jurors shared this message with them.
"This trial was too long, too much for them to process, too much information, all these little extraneous things," Weinstein said.
Weinstein called the trial a waste of taxpayer money. With it over, he says lawmakers need to act to protect artists from having their lyrics used against them.
"This DA's office used his song, his rap, "Take it to Trial" against him and Deamonte took it to trial, and showed the DA's office what they can do with that lyric," Weinstein said.
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RAW: Deamonte Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell learn their fates
The jury reaches their verdicts for the remaining 2 defendants -- Deamonte Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell -- in the current YSL RICO trial in Fulton County.
What happened to Young Thug?
Before today's verdicts, plea deals were taken by several defendants, including Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams.
In October, Williams accepted a deal and was released under several conditions, including a prohibition from entering Atlanta.
Quamarvious Nichols (aka Qua), Rodalius Ryan (aka Lil Rod) and Marquavius Huey (aka Qua) took plea deals shortly before Williams.
RELATED: Young Thug sentenced: Legal expert reacts to judge's decision
The case against YSL has captured national attention, not just for its length and complexity, but for its cultural implications.
Prosecutors argued that lyrics and imagery associated with the group promoted and glorified criminal activity. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the use of artistic expression as evidence in criminal proceedings.
A historic trial with lingering questions
The investigation into YSL reportedly began several years ago and multiple law enforcement officers were involved in its investigation along with the Fulton County District Attorney's Office. Many of those officers testified during the trial, which lasted a little over one year after jury selection, which took 10 months.
With the trial of Kendrick and Stillwell concluded, the spotlight remains on other YSL defendants awaiting their day in court. For now, the verdicts mark the latest chapter in a legal saga that has tested Georgia’s judicial system and sparked debates about gang laws, artistic freedom, and the justice process.
RELATED: YSL RICO Case: What happens now to the other defendants?
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RAW: Attorney Doug Weinstein after YSL verdicts
Attorney Doug Weinstein talks about the verdicts for his client -- Deamonte Kendrick (Yak Gotti) -- and Shannon Stillwell in the YSL RICO trial in Fulton County.