YNW Melly denied release request due to coronavirus infection

YNW Melly was denied his request to be released from jail while awaiting trial on murder charges due to being infected with the coronavirus. The 20-year-old rapper will remain in the Broward County Jail in Florida awaiting his double-murder trial.

A judge issued an order denying his request for house arrest and said if the rapper required special medical treatment he could request it from the Broward Sheriff's Office.

Melly's lawyer Bradford Cohen had filed court documents claiming his client was suffering from several COVID-19 symptoms, including chills, laboured breathing, headaches and body aches after testing positive for coronavirus. The rapper's lawyer argued that he was in danger of dying due to the infection and inadequate health care provided by the jail.

The Murder On My Mind rapper was seeking house arrest and treatment at a medical facility of his choosing at his own expense. 

The families of Melly's alleged victims opposed his release request stating he didn't deserve it and could be a potential threat to them and other witnesses.

Melly was arrested in February 2019 and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty in March 2019 to the double-murder charges and awaits trial.

Prosecutors allege that Melly and fellow YNW rapper Cortlen Henry, also known as YNW Bortlen, staged the double-murder of Anthony 'YNW Sakchaser' Williams, 21, and Christopher 'YNW Juvy' Thomas Jr, 19, to make it appear as if they were fatally wounded in a drive-by shooting.

Melly turned himself in on February 13, 2019.

The rapper via management revealed April 2 on social media that he tested positive for COVID-19. The rapper faces either life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.