The Yella Beezy murder trial has taken another dramatic turn after the Dallas rapper’s childhood friend, Theodore Thomas, better known as Jose Bodega, repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment and refused to answer prosecutors’ questions.
The tense courtroom exchange has raised fresh questions about a key witness’s earlier cooperation in the case surrounding the 2020 murder of fellow rapper Mo3.
Thomas took the stand on October 29, 2026, but his testimony quickly hit a wall. Prosecutors attempted to question him about statements he allegedly made before a grand jury, including details involving Beezy, the Get Rich Cartel, an ongoing rap feud, and trips to California around the time Mo3 was killed.
Instead of answering, Thomas repeatedly responded that he was pleading the Fifth, invoking his constitutional protection against self-incrimination.
Jose Bodega’s Silence Raises Questions
The situation became even more complicated when the defense questioned Thomas about whether he had withdrawn or recanted earlier statements. He again refused to answer.
Thomas had previously testified before a grand jury in February 2025, and prosecutors presented a lengthy transcript of that testimony during the hearing. His refusal to revisit those statements created a difficult moment for the prosecution.
Judge Chika Anyiam eventually excused Thomas but instructed him to remain available in case he was called back to testify.
Thomas is reportedly a childhood friend of Yella Beezy and has collaborated musically with both Beezy and Trapboy Freddy.
Yella Beezy Faces Life in Prison If Convicted
Beezy, whose real name is Markies Conway, is accused of arranging the murder of Mo3, born Melvin Noble, during a highway ambush in Dallas in November 2020.
Prosecutors allege Beezy hired Kewon White to carry out the killing. White was convicted of capital murder in September 2026 and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Beezy has pleaded not guilty and denies orchestrating the murder.
With a key witness refusing to answer questions, the trial has become increasingly tense. Whether Thomas will provide further testimony could become another major development in a case that continues to shake Dallas hip-hop.
