South Florida rapper YNW Melly accused of killing 2 close friends

MIRAMAR, Fla. – An up-and-coming South Florida rapper was arrested Wednesday after Miramar police said he killed two of his close friends, who were also aspiring rappers. 

Police said 19-year-old Jamell Demons, whose stage name is YNW Melly, shot and killed Anthony "YNW Sackchaser" Williams, 21, and Christopher "YNW Juvy" Thomas Jr., 19. 

Police also said Demons, of Vero Beach, and another man, Cortlen Henry, staged the scene to make it appear that the attack was a drive-by shooting.

Demons' biggest hit on YouTube is the song "Murder on My Mind."

Police have not disclosed where the men were killed, but they were last seen in Fort Lauderdale.

Henry drove Williams and Thomas to Memorial Hospital Miramar around 4 a.m. on Oct. 26, 2018. Henry told police they had been involved in a drive-by shooting. Williams and Thomas later died at the hospital.

Demons posted about the charges on Instagram Wednesday before he surrendered to police.

"I am turning myself in today. I want you guys to know I love you and appreciate every single one of y'all. A couple of months ago, I lost my two brothers by violence and now the system wants to find justice. Unfortunately, a lot of rumors and lies are being said. But no worries, God is with me," Demons said.

Demons and the victims were longtime friends and after their deaths, Demons posted on social media mourning them.

"They took my brothers from me over jealousy. I know y’all watching over me and after they wanna see me break down and stop or in jail or a box..." Demons wrote on Twitter after the shooting.

Demons' attorney, Bradford Cohen, also spoke to the South Florida Sun Sentinel about the killings.

"He's sad, he's upset, obviously," Cohen told the newspaper in October. "Those were his best friends."

Demons appeared in court Thursday, where he was ordered held without bond and to have no communication with Henry.