YNW Melly has tested positive for coronavirus while awaiting trial in Florida’s Broward County Jail, the rapper’s Instagram account confirmed on Thursday (April 2).
“He’ll be filing a motion for restricted release in hopes of better care due to any jails not being prepared to treat this new virus,” the post alongside a photo with his family reads. “He hopes for your support and to recover soon #prayformelly send positive energy to him please.”
Melly pleaded not guilty to a double murder charge in March 2019, a few months after the fatal shootings of his two “best friends” Christopher “Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “Sak” Williams.
The rapper isn’t the only incarcerated citizen shedding light on the lack of proper health care systems in prisons. Just last week, R. Kelly made a pitch to be released from the Chicago Metropolitan Correctional Center on bond, citing a fear of contracting the rapidly spreading virus. Bill Cosby filed a similar request, asking to be moved to house arrest for the remainder of his sentence.
Earlier today, 6ix9ine became a free man after a New York judge granted him a compassionate release in light of the coronavirus outbreak. He will be on house arrest for the next four months under supervised release.