#Judge pulls lead prosecutor from YNW Melly trial

In a Friday, October 13 hearing, Florida Circuit Judge John Murphy recused Broward County Assistant State Attorney Kristine Bradley from the case of YNW Melly. The ruling represents a half victory for the Melly’s defense team, whose motion to recuse included not only Bradley but the entire Broward County State Attorney’s Office. With jury selection for the double murder retrial still scheduled to start Monday, October 16, the judge asked the prosecution to swear in a new lead prosecutor to the case quickly. As the South Florida Sun Sentinel notes, the decision effectively rules out the defense’s hopes of getting the case dismissed before the retrial begins, although Judge Murphy has not officially ruled on their motion to dismiss as of yet.

Despite the 13 outstanding motions to suppress evidence collectively filed by both sides the week before last, as well as more than 30 newer motions filed by the defense — among them requests to add more attorneys to their team — the judge signaled that the official trial would begin on Monday as planned, but that the court would set aside Fridays to hear arguments on all outstanding motions. The FADER has reached out to the Broward County State Attorney’s Office and to YNW Melly’s defense team for further comment on today’s rulings.

For an in-depth breakdown of the case, read our explainer of Melly’s complex murder trial. Today’s hearing is available to stream below, via Law&Crime Network’s YouTube channel.