YNW Melly’s Co-Defendant YNW Bortlen Accepts Plea in Double Murder Case

The legal saga surrounding YNW Melly continues to shift as new developments unfold in the case of his co-defendant, Cortlen “YNW Bortlen” Henry. Bortlen, implicated in the alleged 2018 murders of Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams, struck a plea deal just a day before his jury selection was set to begin.

Bortlen, originally facing two counts of first-degree murder with a firearm and two counts of accessory after the fact, was also navigating a separate 2023 witness-tampering case. Under the agreement, he will serve 10 years in prison, followed by six years of probation. He pleaded no contest to the accessory after the fact charges and the tampering counts, leading to the dismissal of the more serious murder allegations. The deal also obliges him to assist prosecutors, providing testimony that could prove pivotal in ongoing investigations.

Bortlen Plea Shakes Up Melly Case

John M. Phillips, the attorney representing YNW Sakchaser’s family, weighed in on the implications. “As predicted, YNW Bortlen took the plea deal. He also agreed to a proffer—which means he’s talking,” Phillips noted on social media, signaling potential ripple effects for related civil proceedings.

Meanwhile, Melly remains behind bars as he prepares for a retrial after a 2023 jury deadlock ended in a mistrial. The second trial, scheduled for January 2027, will revisit two counts of first-degree murder. Known for his 2018 track “Murder on My Mind,” Melly has requested new legal counsel, bringing on seasoned attorneys Drew Findling and Carey Haughwout amid concerns over his current representation.

Adding another layer to the case, Melly has alleged inhumane treatment while in Broward County Jail, fueling public scrutiny and debate. Together, these developments highlight the intricate and often unpredictable nature of high-profile criminal proceedings, where plea deals, retrials, and new allegations continuously reshape both legal outcomes and public perception.