Lil Wayne, Future, & More Among Potential Witnesses In YSL Trial
Lil Wayne, and Future, among other rappers, are potential witnesses in the upcoming YSL trial, according to WSB-TV. The trial is scheduled to begin next week for 14 defendants facing charges in the RICO case, including Young Thug (born Jeffrey Williams).
Michael Seiden, a reporter at the local news outlet, obtained the potential witness list for Williams’ defense. The list included Atlanta rapper Killer Mike, music executives and Williams’ fiancé. On Wednesday (Jan. 4), Seiden obtained the lists for the state’s case and for one of Williams’ co-defendants, Miles Farley, the outlet reports. The state list includes 157 names connected to the Atlanta police department, 62 names from various law enforcement agencies and 125 lay witnesses. Of those serving as potential witnesses, some notable names are: Rashawn “YFN Lucci” Bennett; Dwayne Carter (Lil Wayne); Alexis “Dolly’ Grier (Young Thug’s sister); Dequantes Lamar (Rich Homie Quan) and Bryan Williams (Birdman).
But someone being listed as a potential witness doesn’t necessarily mean that they will take the stand. For example, Lucci’s attorney put out a statement that despite his client being listed as a potential witness, he will not be taking the stand.
“Rayshawn Bennett (Lucci), has never been interviewed or subpoenaed by law-enforcement, the Fulton County District Attorney‘s office or any of the party’s regarding the YSL case,” Drew Findling and Marissa Goldberg of The Findling Law Firm stated, per the outlet. “Any party can announce for example, that Abraham Lincoln is on their witness list, but those words alone are meaningless. So, to be 100% clear, Rayshawn Bennett (Lucci) will not be a witness in the YSL case.”
The list of potential witnesses for Farley included Clifford Harris, Jr. (T.I.), Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn (Future), and Michael Lamar White II (Trippie Red).
Prosecutors allege that YSL is a criminal street gang, while defense attorneys for Williams argue that it is simply a record label and clothing company.
Originally, the indictment charged 28 defendants, but eight have since taken plea deals including YSL rapper Gunna. The outlet reports that six others will be tried separately.