Verdicts Reach in YSL RICO Case in Georgia

The long-running YSL RICO trial concluded with the acquittal of Deamonte Kendrick, known as Yak Gotti, on all charges, while Shannon Stillwell was found guilty only of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, receiving a 10-year sentence with credit for time served. The trial, which has been marked by numerous disruptions and was one of the longest in Georgia's history, stemmed from a 2022 indictment involving Young Thug and 27 others, accused of operating a violent gang under Georgia's RICO law. Prosecutors linked the defendants to multiple murders, including the killings of Donovan Thomas Jr. and Shymel Drinks, but the jury ultimately found insufficient evidence to convict Kendrick and Stillwell of murder or gang-related charges. Young Thug had previously accepted a plea deal resulting in probation after pleading guilty to lesser charges. The verdicts represent a significant setback for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who faced criticism over the prosecution's approach, including the use of social media and song lyrics as evidence. The trial featured various challenges, including juror arrests and courtroom disruptions, highlighting the complexities involved in such high-profile cases.