When reached by Pitchfork, Philip R. Horowitz, one of YNW Melly’s attorneys, wrote in an email: “While we are disappointed in the ruling, as you are aware, the appellate court certified a question of ‘great public importance’ to the Florida Supreme Court regarding our position that the death penalty should not apply in this case. We look forward to our opportunity to argue our position before the justices.”
YNW Melly has pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder charges. The musician’s trial has been delayed multiple times, and was most recently set to begin in July before being pushed back to determine the question of the death penalty.
Pitchfork has reached out to attorneys for YNW Melly for additional comment and information.