Final Defendants in YSL Trial Acquitted of Gang and Murder Charges as Trial Comes to a Close

The YSL trial has come to a close, marking the end of the longest trial in Georgia’s history. The final defendants, Deamonte “Yak Gotti” Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell, were acquitted of murder, racketeering, and gang charges, as reported by The New York Times on December 3.

Stillwell, who was found guilty of gun possession, received a 10-year prison sentence. However, Judge Paige Reese Whitaker converted eight years to probation and commuted the remaining two to time served. Despite facing stabbings in jail during their years awaiting trial and sentencing, both defendants, Stillwell and Yak Gotti, pleaded not guilty and successfully took their cases to trial.

The verdict came as a setback to Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis, who faced criticism for her handling of the case that portrayed YSL as a violent gang led by Young Thug. The prosecution’s use of song lyrics as evidence sparked controversy, and procedural errors led to the judge criticizing the prosecution. Willis’ spokesperson, Jeff DiSantis, stated, “We always respect the verdict of a jury,” according to The Associated Press.

(Image Source: Pitchfork)

Title: “Young Thug Trial Verdict: Two Defendants Acquitted in YSL Case”



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