Georgia’s longest-running criminal trial came to an end with not guilty verdicts on all charges except for one felony firearm charge for two co-defendants, Deamonte Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell, linked to a racketeering case that also involved rapper Young Thug. The case featured serious charges, including murder and conspiracy to violate RICO. Opening statements began in November 2023 and the trial featured bizarre moments, including alleged drug exchanges and uncooperative witnesses.
The case began with 28 co-defendants, including Young Thug, who was accused of leading an Atlanta street gang. Young Thug took a plea deal, along with several others, while the remaining two co-defendants faced trial. Prosecutors tried to connect the defendants to a criminal street gang that used weapons on rivals, claiming they were involved in violence and illegal acts. Despite more than 175 witnesses called by the state, the defense called none.
The defense argued that the state failed to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, denying allegations of gang affiliations among Young Thug and his associates. The trial faced multiple delays and unexpected turns, including the removal of the original judge for holding a private meeting without the defense present, and testimonial mishaps that led to a potential mistrial.
Young Thug was released from jail after reaching a plea deal that commuted his 40-year sentence to time served and 15 years of probation. The case was criticized for using rap lyrics and social media posts as evidence of gang activity and raised concerns about the weaponization of Georgia’s RICO law against Black hip-hop artists.
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