Frustration is growing among defense attorneys involved in the Young Slime Life gang trial as they face delays in evidence submission and an expanding witness list. The trial, which began its jury selection eight months ago, has encountered setbacks due to what defense lawyers describe as a lackadaisical approach from prosecutors.
Defense lawyers claim that crucial discovery evidence, required to be provided at least 10 days before the trial, has not been received from the prosecution. Young Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, also expressed concern over the significant increase in the prosecution’s witness list since the trial began, making it difficult for the defense to adequately prepare their case.
Young Thug, also known as Jeffery Williams, stands accused of leading and co-founding the Young Slime Life gang, operating in South Atlanta. Alongside 28 other individuals, the Grammy-winning rapper has been in jail since his arrest in May 2022.
Steel voiced his frustration, stating that the prosecution’s witness list has now reached 632 potential witnesses, significantly more than initially listed by the DA’s office. This expansion has required the defense team to revise their case index, a task that has taken over a year to prepare.
The state’s submission of evidence has been complex and overwhelming, with nearly four terabytes of data delivered in twelve separate dumps. The most recent batch of evidence consisted of photos, videos, and documents totaling 303,661 files across 7,542 folders, adding to the burden on the defense. The latest witness list submitted by the prosecution lacks addresses and phone numbers, further complicating matters.
Steel filed an emergency motion, labeling the repeated delays as an abuse of prosecutorial power and a violation of his client’s rights. He called for the judge’s intervention to address the situation promptly, as the defense team is tasked with locating approximately 266 new witnesses.
Prosecutor Adriane Love disputed Steel’s claim of an inflated number of newly disclosed witnesses, suggesting the figure was fewer than 100. Chief Judge Ural Glanville acknowledged Steel’s concerns and urged both parties to resolve the issues regarding evidence submission and the witness list. Glanville suggested that a cleaned-up witness list with an index be provided by the prosecution.
As the trial approaches opening statements, the delays in evidence submission and the growing witness list continue to pose challenges for the defense. The judge’s intervention highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the legal proceedings concerning the timing and management of critical case material.
