FULTON COUNTY, Georgia. – The trial against Young Thug, real name Jeffery Williams, and his accomplices continued on Tuesday. The focus is on the testimony of the main witness Kenneth “Lil Woody” Copeland.
Copeland testified after being granted immunity and claimed he was coerced into taking the stand. He stressed that he did not see Deamonte “Yak Gotti” Kendrick, Shannon Stillwell or anyone else injure Donovan “Nut” Thomas and denied acting on behalf of the YSL gang.
TUESDAY STORY: Young Thug, YSL RICO trial: Lawyers complete their questioning of Kenneth Copeland
During cross-examination, the state questioned Copeland’s credibility, questioning his previous lies and his involvement in other incidents, including a shooting at the barbershop owned by rapper Rich Homie Quan’s father.
Kenneth Copeland denies that YSL is a gang
Kenneth Copeland was again on the stand for questioning in the YSL trial. During his questioning, Copeland denied that YSL was a gang. During the trial, the judge denied another motion for a mistrial by Young Thugs’ attorney.
Despite the allegations, Copeland denied any gang motives and insisted he was now telling the truth. He claimed he had lied during police interrogations in the past to avoid going to jail. His testimony revealed that he informed others, including Young Thug, of the falsehoods he had uttered during interrogations. However, he said he did not tell them that he had told police they had committed murder. Copeland claimed he now feels guilty for not telling the truth sooner.
The defense, led by attorneys Max Schardt and Brian Steel, raised several objections throughout the day, including a motion to dismiss and dismiss Fulton County Assistant District Attorney Adriane Love and Deputy District Attorney Symone Hilton. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker denied those motions.
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Copeland’s testimony lasted 16 days. The state concluded its questioning on Wednesday but reserved the option to call him back if necessary. His testimony was controversial, with both the defense and the prosecution questioning his statements and past actions.
The trial, already the longest in Georgia history, is expected to continue with the testimony of Antonio Sledge, also known as Monk Tounk, a new witness who is scheduled to take the stand next. Judge Whitaker announced that Sledge’s testimony will likely last all day, and defense attorneys are preparing to discuss potential implications of Sledge’s guilty plea agreement. Sledge pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate RICO and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced to 15 years probation.
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Young Thug and 27 others were indicted in 2022 for violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) law and committing multiple violent crimes. After the longest jury selection in history (10 months), the trial of Young Thug and several co-defendants began in November 2023. It is now the longest trial in Georgia history. Prosecutors are attempting to prove that YSL (Young Slime Life) is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous crimes, including murder. Defendants claim that YSL stands for Young Stoner Life and is the name of a record label founded by Young Thug. Young Thug is facing eight criminal charges. The trial was plagued by various disruptions, including illness, the arrest of a juror and an attorney, the stabbing of defendant Shannon Stillwell, the removal of the judge originally assigned to the case, and more.
