ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - After
months of juror screenings,
bizarre courtroom antics and
pocketbook complaints from attorneys, a jury has finally been chosen in rapper Young ’s historic organized crime trial in Atlanta.
Here’s a primer on Young ’s trial so far; who are the major players; and what’s going to happen next.
I don’t like hip-hop. Who’s Young ?
Who’s Young ? Where you been? And who don’t like hip-hop?
OK, so rap isn’t for everyone, but Young is a big deal in American music.
His real name is Jeffery Williams, and he’s one of the most decorated rappers in history, having won multiple Grammys, MTV video music awards, and BET and American Music Awards.
But he’s also in trouble - BIG TROUBLE - with the law. Before this trial, Young had been arrested multiple times throughout metro Atlanta on various gun and drug possession charges.
On May 9, 2022, Young was arrested in Atlanta on gang-related charges. He’s been held in jail ever since, waiting on his day in court.
But even behind bars, Young is still ‘da man. I mean, who else could release a brand new album while stewing in a jail cell?
But he’s not alone in this, right?
Right. Young and 28 other people were arrested at the same time. But some of them have
pleaded out; others have had their upcoming trials severed from Williams’ case; so now Young and five other people are being tried at the same time:
- Marquavius Huey, aka “Qua”
- Deamonte Kendrick, aka “Yak Gotti”
- Quamarvious Nichols, aka “Qua”
- Rodalius Ryan, aka “Lil Rod”
- Shannon Stillwell, aka “Shannon Jackson” or “SB”
Young ’s trial: 10 questions and their fascinating answers
Updated: Nov. 17, 2023 at 11:21 AM EST