During rapper YNW Melly’s double murder trial in South Florida, defense attorneys argued on Thursday that his right to confront his accuser was being violated when a masked witness took the stand to testify about alleged gang affiliations.

Broward Circuit Judge John Murphy allowed Broward Sheriff’s Office Detective Danny Polo to testify with his face concealed due to receiving death threats unrelated to the case against YNW Melly, the Associated Press reported.

Defense attorney Jason Roger Williams contended that jurors need to observe a witness’s demeanor to assess their credibility, which becomes difficult when their face is obscured, as reported by the Sun Sentinel.

Williams stated, “The state had the option to choose any gang expert, but they opted for one who faces threats to his life that are unrelated to this case and who operates undercover. They have created this problem.”

Eventually, Polo was permitted to testify, linking YNW Melly (Jamell Demons) to membership in G-Shine, a faction of the Bloods gang.

Polo mentioned the existence of numerous photos showing Demons alongside other Bloods members.

The 24-year-old Demons potentially faces the death penalty for the fatal shooting of his childhood friends, Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr., in October 2018.

Written by staff