Here we go … Judge Paige Reese Whitaker has now taken the reins of the highly publicized YSL trial, set to resume in Atlanta next week. Having introduced herself to the prosecutors and attorneys, she is preparing to meet Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, and the other defendants as America’s most-watched legal drama continues. Must see TV, that’s for sure.
Gotta feel bad for that jury who are doing their civic duty. They’ve been on this case for months. They will return the week of August 5. Judge Whitaker has designated the entire week to address the motions filed before her assignment, along with new motions submitted over the past 24 hours by both the prosecution and the defense.
And about those trial motions. On July 23, Williams’ legal team filed a motion requesting bond for the acclaimed rapper. Additionally, attorneys representing YSL co-defendants Donavan Thomas, Quamarvious Nichols, and Deamonte Kendrick have filed for a mistrial.
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Fulton County prosecutors have also submitted a motion seeking to restrict defense attorneys from making comments to the media.
Get this, Judge Whitaker has instituted new courtroom rules for the trial, which has been marked by numerous arrests, delays, late starts, and contentious interactions between the previous judge, defense attorneys, and prosecutors. She is not playing around.
During a status hearing on July 19, she emphasized maintaining decorum and professionalism, prohibiting food and ear buds in the courtroom, and setting hours from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The little bit I have seen in this case definitely appears there have been times that tempers have flared a whole lot and people have been less than professional,” Whitaker noted.
Just a friendly reminder that Williams was arrested on May 9, 2022, along with 27 other alleged gang members in Buckhead, as part of a 56-count indictment. The trial’s jury selection has been the longest in Georgia’s history, and the actual witness testimony is expected to surpass state records. These records were previously set by the 2014-15 Atlanta Public Schools teacher scandal trial.
The YSL trial commenced on November 27, 2023, and defense attorneys have expressed concerns that it could extend for years due to the number of witnesses the state plans to call. However, Judge Whitaker has made it clear that the trial will proceed expeditiously.
Full speed or not, this case is the longest in Georgia’s history and shows no signs of ending any time soon.