Young Thug, YSL RICO Trial: Lawyers conclude their questioning of Kenneth Copeland
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - 5 P.M. UPDATE: Kenneth Copeland testified that he was compelled by the state to take the stand after being granted immunity, emphasizing that he was not attempting to deceive the jury but simply stating his truth.
Copeland maintained that he never witnessed Deamonte Kendrick (also known as Yak Gotti), Shannon Stillwell, or others harming Donovan "Nut" Thomas. He reiterated his refusal to act on behalf of the YSL gang, saying he did what he did to help himself.
During questioning by the state, Copeland also revealed that he had informed Young Thug and others about the lies he had told during interviews, but apparently did not tell them that he had implicated them in the murder of Thomas.
Copeland claimed that if Yak or Shannon Stillwell had confessed to killing Donovan "Nut" Thomas, he would have disclosed it now during his testimony.
The state also questioned Copeland again about his involvement in a shooting at Rich Homie Quan's father's barbershop, implying a connection to a feud between Thug and Quan. However, Copeland denied any such motive, claiming his actions were related to his friend "Threat" and it had nothing to do with Young Thug.
Throughout the questioning, Attorney Hylton repeatedly attempted to suggest that Copeland might be lying now, but Copeland continued to assert that he often lied to the police, but he is telling the truth now.
The state finally indicated it was done questioning Copeland at this time and the defense was given a chance to recross Copeland, which means they could question Copeland again on matters that were brought up during the redirect examination.
Attorney Max Schardt asked Copeland if he had received any benefits, such as the dismissal of charges, for his testimony. Copeland admits that he was once charged with Thomas' murder, but those charges were dropped. Schardt also asks Copeland about whom he told his lies to and Copeland says he told them to Monk Tounk (Antonio Sledge) and Little Dee so that they could back him up if needed.
In his recross, Attorney Brian Steel focused on the unusual nature of a private meeting on June 10 between Copeland, the judge, and prosecutors. Copeland replied that he had never been in such a meeting during his previous arrests.
After 16 days on the stand, Copeland’s testimony concluded Wednesday afternoon, although the state can recall him if needed in the future.
The day ended with Judge Whitaker dismissing the jury, announcing that Antonio Sledge would testify the following morning. The state estimates Sledge's testimony will take about three hours, but the judge anticipates it could last all day.
Before the courtroom emptied, Attorney Harvey argued for a jury instruction stating that Sledge's guilty plea agreement should not be used against others, citing case law to support his position.
The attorneys and defendants are expected to return to court at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday with the jury being brought in at 9.
12:30 P.M. UPDATE: Copeland, also known as "Woody," once again expresses regret for mentioning Young Thug, stating he was going through a difficult time in his life and that the birth of his daughter gave him a sense of purpose.
He reiterated that YSL is a record label, not a gang, and clarified that he never recorded a song with Young Thug.
The state played clips from an interview where Woody is seen repping YSL and making statements about gang affiliations. Woody explained that he aspired to be a YSL artist and argued that the state's characterization of YSL as a gang is misleading, based on his understanding of gang culture in Atlanta.
The state focused on establishing which of Woody's phones was his primary device and its location on the night of Donovan "Nut" Thomas's murder, as it is central to their case.
The state also played a jail call where Young Thug allegedly discussed someone betraying them, but Woody claimed he was manipulating those involved, including Thug, into believing false information.
When asked about a jail call where Thug's sister mentioned killing Nut, Woody denied it was a confession and listed several people that others were saying might have done it.
Lunch break until 1:30 p.m.
10:30 A.M. UPDATE: The court addressed several evidentiary issues before the state's former star witness, Kenneth "Lil Woody" Copeland, took the stand for the prosecution's redirect examination.
The day began with a discussion on matters related to the state's next witness, Antonio Sledge, and a delay caused by a late-arriving juror. Once the juror arrived, Copeland was brought back to the stand, where prosecutor Hylton questioned the truthfulness of his recent testimony. Copeland told Hylton that although he was lying in 2015, his recent testimony is the truth.
Hylton challenged Copeland's credibility by revisiting a video from a couple of weeks ago in which Copeland claimed he could not read a rental car agreement linked to the murder of Donovan Thomas.
Hylton then presented evidence from Copeland's previous plea agreement, where he acknowledged his ability to read and write in English, suggesting that Copeland lied on the stand. Copeland responded by distinguishing between reading and understanding.
"Reading and understanding is different," Copeland explained.
The session became contentious when the discussion shifted to a leaked October 2021 video of Copeland's interrogation.
Defense attorneys raised objections to Hylton's mention of the video, arguing that it was prejudicial.
Young Thug's attorney, Brian Steel, contended that the leak of the video harmed his client and questioned the involvement of the defense in its release. Steel also renewed calls for the removal of prosecutors Love and Hylton, saying that the state was trying to provoke the defense into seeking a mistrial.
The state responded by saying that it vehemently opposes a mistrial and argued that the state should be able to ask about the leaked video after Copeland was asked about the video and responded that he believed the state had leaked the video in order to gain his cooperation.
Attorney Max Schardt also asked about the investigation Judge Glanville said would take place into the leaked video. Schardt also told the judge that he believes the state is trying to goad the defense into asking for a mistrial.
The state responded by saying it "vehemently object to a mistrial."
Judge Whitaker warned the state about its questioning, but denied Steel's motion to remove the state's prosecutors.
ORIGINAL STORY
The trial of Young Thug and his associates is set to resume Tuesday morning after a break for Labor Day.
The prosecution wrapped up its case last week with former star witness Kenneth "Lil Woody" Copeland, after which the defense team had the opportunity to question him.
Copeland repeatedly answered questions with "I don't recall" and told the court and jurors that he lied during a 2015 interrogation in which police were trying to link Young Thug (real name Jeffery Williams) and his associates to several crimes, including the murder of Donovan "Nut" Thomas.
Last week, the defense extensively questioned Copeland about his relationship with Thomas, suggesting to the jury that Copeland may have been responsible for Thomas’s death.
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During last week's testimony, Copeland also blamed the prosecution for leaking a video of the police interrogation to the media in an effort to pressure him into cooperating with the state. He testified that he sought legal representation because the video made him look like a "snitch."
Copeland has admitted his role in a September 2014 shooting into a barbershop owned by rapper Rich Homie Quan's father, Corey Lamar.
The prosecution is expected to begin its redirect of Copeland on Tuesday morning.
The trial for Young Thug is now the longest in Georgia history. Jury selection alone took 10 months, and the trial itself began on Nov. 27, 2023. The previous record for the longest trial in Georgia was held by the Atlanta Public Schools cheating trial in 2014-15, involving teachers and administrators.
Young Thug and 27 others were indicted in 2022 for violating Georgia's RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) law and committing multiple violent crimes. Following the longest jury selection in history (10 months), the trial for 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 offenses, including murder. The defendants maintain 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 has been plagued by various disruptions, including illnesses, the arrests of a juror and a lawyer, the stabbing of defendant Shannon Stillwell, the removal of the judge originally assigned to the case, and more.