Rapper Young Thug's trial postponed after co-defendant stabbed in Atlanta jail

The racketeering trial against rapper Young Thug and five other persons has been postponed until early next year following an incident at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta.

Shannon Stillwell, one of the defendants, was stabbed multiple times during a fight with another inmate in the same section of the jail on Sunday evening, as reported by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville dismissed jurors on Monday morning, citing a "medical issue" with one of the defendants and instructed them to return the following day.

Judge Ural Glanville has informed the jurors that they are scheduled to reconvene in court on January 2 at 9 a.m. He emphasized that during this interim period, they should avoid reading any information related to the trial or engaging in discussions about it with anyone.


The racketeering conspiracy trial involving Shannon Stillwell, Young Thug, and four other co-defendants commenced last month after approximately 10 months of jury selection.

After being stabbed, Stillwell was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital. Judge Glanville issued an order on Monday, allowing Stillwell's attorneys to visit him at the hospital "to the extent that it is medically cleared." Additionally, Glanville directed that Stillwell be kept separate from other defendants in the case upon his return to the jail.

Prosecutors allege that Young Thug, born Jeffery Williams, headed a violent street gang known as Young Slime Life (YSL), responsible for various crimes, including killings, shootings, and carjackings over about a decade. They argue that Young Thug used his successful music career and social media presence to promote the gang and establish its dominance.

In response, defense attorneys contend that law enforcement relied heavily on jail informants who had motives to provide information favorable to prosecutors. They have also criticized the use of rap lyrics as evidence, arguing that the artistic expression of their clients is being improperly used against them.