Acquittals in YSL Gang Trial Deal Blow to Prosecutor Fani Willis
Prosecutor Fani Willis faced a significant setback on Tuesday as the prosecution of the YSL gang, Georgia’s longest-running trial, concluded with the acquittals of the last two defendants in the case.
Deamonte Kendrick, known as Yak Gotti, and Shannon Stillwell faced charges related to the murder of rival gang member Donovan Thomas Jr., also known as “Big Nut,” in a drive-by shooting. The Fulton County jury returned a verdict of not guilty for Kendrick on all charges and acquitted Stillwell on all charges except for one count of firearm possession by a convicted felon.
The YSL gang trial, which began in 2022 against 28 defendants, has garnered attention for its connection to the Bloods gang and allegations of various crimes including murder, armed robbery, drug dealing, carjacking, and violence. The trial, brought by Willis, is the longest-running in Georgia’s history, with jury selection lasting 10 months and testimony starting in November 2023.
Willis has faced criticism for her affair with Nathan Wade, whom she hired to lead the prosecution of Donald Trump. She remains the last prosecutor in the ongoing criminal cases against the president-elect, with two federal cases dropped by special counsel Jack Smith and Trump’s sentencing in the Manhattan state hush money case delayed indefinitely by a judge.
