FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Striking testimony came on the witness stand at a hearing on Friday related to the murder case of rapper YNW Melly.
Michelle Boutros, a 20-year prosecutor at the state attorney’s office, said she witnessed wrongdoing by a lead investigator, Miramar Police Detective Mark Moretti.
The defense said the incident was not properly disclosed to them by prosecutor Kristine Bradley before the last trial, resulting in a Brady Violation.
Bradley, the case’s lead prosecutor, was called to the stand to defend her actions.
YNW Melly, whose birth name is Jamell Demons, is facing murder charges for the deaths of 19-year-old Christopher Thomas Jr. and 21-year-old Anthony Williams.
Over the summer, Melly’s first trial ended with a hung jury.
Now, just days before his second trial, prosecutors have added charges of witness tampering.
The defense is asking the judge to have the state attorney’s office recused from the case, citing misconduct.
A multitude of motions will be heard by the judge beginning on Tuesday, which will happen instead of the expected jury selection.
This will further delay the start of YNW Melly’s second trial.