The YSL trial, featuring rapper Young Thug, has been halted after one of his co-defendants, Shannon Stillwell, was reportedly stabbed in prison by another inmate.
Stillwell’s lawyer, Max Schardt, told local newspaper the Atlanta Journal-Constitution abut event, which was confirmed by a press release from Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. The incident happened on the evening of 10 December, where Stillwell was “stabbed multiple times” by another inmate at Rice Street Jail, Willie Brown, after a fight had broken out between the two. It is not known what led to the fight.
Stillwell is reportedly in a stable condition in hospital. Brown has since been charged with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items.
This is the latest delay in the trial, which has already had several stoppages, including taking nigh on a year to select a jury. Stillwell is one of six defendants, which also include rapper Young Thug – real name Jeffery Williams – on trial.
The case is noteworthy for many reasons, including hinging on the definition of YSL. According to the prosecution, it stands for Young Slime Life, a ‘criminal street gang’ the defendants are said to be part of. The defence counter that is merely means Young Stoner Life and YSL is just a record label.
Young Thug also caused a social media sensation recently at the trial when he wore a sweater with a wolf design, leading to speculation that he was reacting to the prosecution’s characterisation of him as the leader of the gang. His girlfriend, Mariah the Scientist, claimed the choice of clothing was just a coincidence.
