The Shocking Age: How Old Was YNW Melly When He Was Arrested For Double Murder?

The arrest of Florida rapper YNW Melly in February 2019 sent shockwaves through the music industry and the hip-hop community, marking a sudden and dramatic halt to one of the genre’s fastest-rising careers. As of December 2025, the legal saga surrounding Jamell Maurice Demons, known professionally as YNW Melly, continues to unfold with delays and appeals, keeping the details of his case in the global spotlight. The central question for many fans and followers of the case remains: just how young was the "Murder on My Mind" artist when he was taken into custody for the double homicide charges that could potentially lead to the death penalty?

The answer is striking and highlights the tragic trajectory of a young talent: YNW Melly was only 19 years old when he turned himself in to the Miramar Police Department on February 13, 2019, facing two counts of premeditated first-degree murder. This article provides a comprehensive look at the timeline, the charges, and the most current, up-to-date information on his ongoing legal battle, which has stretched on for years at the Broward County Jail.

YNW Melly: A Detailed Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Jamell Maurice Demons
• Stage Name: YNW Melly
• Date of Birth: May 1, 1999
• Place of Birth: Gifford, Florida, U.S.
• Age (as of December 2025): 26 years old
• Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter
• Notable Works: "Murder on My Mind," "Mixed Personalities" (feat. Kanye West), "Suicidal"
• Date of Arrest (Double Murder Charge): February 13, 2019
• Age at Arrest: 19 years old
• Co-Defendant: Cortlen Henry (YNW Bortlen)
• Victims: Anthony Williams (YNW Sakchaser) and Christopher Thomas Jr. (YNW Juvy)
• Current Status: Incarcerated at Broward County Jail awaiting retrial

The Timeline: Calculating YNW Melly’s Age at Arrest

The arrest of Jamell Demons, a promising rapper whose career was just beginning to explode with hits like "Mixed Personalities," occurred during a period of intense scrutiny. To accurately determine his age at the time of incarceration, one must look at the specific dates involved in the case.

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The Night of the Murders

The alleged crime took place on October 26, 2018, in Miramar, Florida. The victims, YNW Melly’s close friends and members of his YNW collective, Anthony Williams (YNW Sakchaser) and Christopher Thomas Jr. (YNW Juvy), were shot and killed. At the time of the incident, Melly’s birth date of May 1, 1999, confirms he was still 19 years old, having celebrated his 19th birthday just five months prior.

The Arrest and Incarceration

The formal arrest for the double murder charges came months later. On February 13, 2019, YNW Melly surrendered to authorities. At this point, his 20th birthday was still nearly three months away. He was officially booked into the Broward County Jail as a 19-year-old facing the most serious of charges: two counts of first-degree premeditated murder. This age is a crucial detail in the narrative of his case, often cited to emphasize the gravity of the situation for such a young individual.

The prosecution alleges that Demons, along with his co-defendant Cortlen Henry (YNW Bortlen), staged the crime scene to make the deaths of Williams and Thomas Jr. appear to be the result of a drive-by shooting. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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2025 Trial Status: What is the Latest Update on YNW Melly's Case?

The legal proceedings against YNW Melly have been notoriously drawn out, complicated by numerous motions, appeals, and a mistrial. As of December 2025, the case is still far from a definitive resolution, providing ongoing updates that are critical for fans following the story.

The Hung Jury and Retrial Delays

Melly’s first murder trial, which began in June 2023, concluded in a dramatic mistrial the following month when the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. This result, a "hung jury," immediately necessitated a retrial, which was initially expected to begin relatively quickly.

However, the process has been significantly delayed. As of late 2024 and throughout 2025, the retrial has been repeatedly postponed due to complex legal appeals and procedural issues. One major point of contention has been the admissibility of certain evidence, including digital evidence obtained from a broad warrant, which an appeals court has weighed in on. These ongoing appeals and disputes over discovery have effectively paused the retrial proceedings.

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The Status of YNW Bortlen and Future Proceedings

In a recent development, the court decided to proceed with the trial of Melly’s co-defendant, Cortlen Henry (YNW Bortlen), first. This decision is a key factor in Melly’s own timeline, as the outcome of Bortlen’s trial could have significant implications for the prosecution's strategy and the evidence presented in Demons' subsequent retrial.

Legal sources have suggested that due to the complexity of the case, the volume of evidence, and the continuous legal maneuvering by the defense team, the second trial for YNW Melly may not commence until as late as 2027. This means Jamell Demons, who is now 26 years old, has spent over six years in pre-trial detention at the Broward County Jail since his arrest as a 19-year-old.

The Impact on YNW Melly's Career and Legacy

Despite being incarcerated for years, YNW Melly has maintained a significant presence in the music world. His team has continued to release music, including his second studio album, *Melon 110*, which was released while he was awaiting trial. His unique style, often categorized as a blend of trap and melodic rap, has kept his legacy alive.

The continuous delays and the serious nature of the charges—first-degree murder—have turned his legal battle into a major pop culture event, attracting millions of views and discussions across social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit. The case has become a focal point for discussions about the criminal justice system, the death penalty in Florida, and the precarious lives of young artists in the hip-hop scene.

The question of "how old was YNW Melly when he went to jail" serves as a poignant reminder of the youth involved and the years of his life that have been consumed by this high-stakes legal fight. As the legal system slowly grinds toward a resolution, fans and legal analysts alike are watching closely for the next update in this complex and tragic case, which has seen a teenager's promising career exchanged for a jail cell in Fort Lauderdale.