The jury selection process has started for the trial of Kewon White, who is accused of being paid by Yella Beezy to murder rapper Mo3 in 2020.
On August 24, Beezy attended court as the prospective jury of 77 people began to be narrowed down to a panel of 12. Both Beezy and White face capital murder charges in connection with Mo3’s death, allegedly sparked by a protracted feud. Authorities claim Beezy hired White for the shooting on I-35 in Dallas.
A third individual, Devin Brown, is also facing capital murder charges, as prosecutors say he accompanied White and was seen on video approaching Mo3’s vehicle while masked. As the trial approaches, Judge Chika Anyiam has ruled that certain lyrics will be admissible in court after extensive discussions from both legal teams.
Investigation Links Yella Beezy To Mo3 Fatal Shooting
Fox 4 reports that the prosecution plans to present specific songs, including Mo3’s “2 Nineteen,” Yella Beezy’s “Keep It in the Streets,” and portions of “On Ya Head,” during the trial.
Additionally, they will present relevant social media activity from both Beezy and Mo3, along with a 2019 VladTV interview with Beezy and evidence linked to past violent incidents involving associates of both men.
Judge Anyiam has decided that White’s trial will occur before Beezy’s, though no date has been set for the latter. While some lyrics will be allowed as evidence, the judge has rejected the use of a Dallas detective as an expert witness on music, potentially complicating the prosecution’s efforts to use rap lyrics to support their claims against Beezy.
In a July hearing, Beezy’s defense team challenged the inclusion of lyrics, with testimony from Dr. Erik Nielson, a University of Richmond professor specializing in rap lyrics in legal contexts. Dr. Nielson noted that rap lyrics are often interpreted more literally compared to other music genres, which might unjustly incriminate artists for crimes they didn’t commit.
Despite these challenges, prosecutors maintain that their case against Beezy extends beyond his music, citing witness testimonies, physical evidence, wiretaps, and social media activity. The trial proceedings, including opening statements and testimony, are expected to begin soon.
