Dallas rapper Yella Beezy, whose real name is Markies Conway, posted a video on his YouTube channel. The judge reduced the rapper's bond from $2 million to $750,000, granting him a big break in his ongoing legal battle. But the courtroom moment lacked celebration as the judge warned about his future behavior, especially how he contacts witnesses.
Yella Beezy was shackled and silent during Thursday's (March 27) hearing at a Dallas courtroom. Prosecutors accuse him of masterminding a murder-for-hire scheme that resulted in fellow rapper Mo3's 2020 death. His legal name was Melvin Noble. The shooting midday on Interstate 35E shocked the Dallas hip-hop community and prompted a sprawling, still-ongoing investigation.
The evidence released by prosecutors during the hearing included a new surveillance video showing the moment the defendant pulled the victim into a Kroger 18-wheeler truck. The video is said to show the black sedan abruptly cutting off Mo3's gold vehicle, and then, after that, a suspected gunman, Kewon Dontrell White, 33, pursued Mo3 on foot and shot him dead.
Prosecutors also alleged that a witness overheard Yella Beezy talking about payment for the hit and that they had tracked a $40,000 cash withdrawal made by the rapper soon after the murder, a sum they said was consistent with how much they believe the rapper paid for the kill.
With the prosecution attempting to paint the picture that Yella Beezy's life was in jeopardy, his defense team challenged the credibility of the witness, claiming no direct evidence exists that would connect the rapper to the crime. They pointed to his long-embedded ties to the community and insisted he was innocent.
One of his fiercest supporters, his grandmother Alma Alexander, stood to lend a voice to his defense.
"Markies was my first grandchild … He's been a godsend to a lot of his family members. He helps everybody," she said in court, seeking to portray the rapper as a family-oriented man instead of a man of crime.
After considering both sides, the judge ultimately ruled to reduce the bond but reiterated that this was not an exoneration. In addition to lowering his bond, the judge put Yella Beezy on a strict no-contact order with witnesses, both directly and indirectly.
"You are not to have any contact, direct or indirect. No intimidation or harassment of any victim, witness, or co-defendant. If it's you or anyone on your behalf, it's going to be a problem," the judge said bluntly.
The judge was also frustrated with Yella Beezy for what seemed to be a lack of sincerity in his financial disclosures. The judge stated that even a minor slip where they try to hide assets could easily lead to serious criminal consequences.
If released, Yella Beezy would be subject to strict conditions, including handing over his passport, wearing an ankle monitor, and staying under house arrest. As the case progresses, the stakes are high for the rapper, who continues to fight for his freedom while facing allegations that could indefinitely alter the course of his career and life.
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