Yak Gotti, who police identified as Deamonte Kendrick, was stabbed during an altercation at jail on December 1, 2024. Kendrick AKA Yak Gotti has been held at Fulton County Jail as the Young Slime Life trial goes on into what has been considered by many to be Georgia’s longest-running criminal trial.
According to his attorney, Yak’s injuries were minor, with him expected to recover fully after getting stitches. “He’s tired but staying positive,” his attorney, Doug Weinstein, said following a meeting with him. While details of what sparked the attack were still unclear, authorities investigated the situation, including who the attacker was and his motives.
The latest episode in what has been an anything-but-smooth trial-August saw another YSL co-defendant, Shannon Stillwell, hospitalized after a stabbing, forcing the court to delay proceedings until January 2025. The case got underway in January 2023 and has been no stranger to delays, disruptions, and rising temperatures among its many players.
At the center is the contention that YSL, a collective led by rapper Young Thug, Jeffery Williams, is much more than just a music collective. Prosecutors say it’s a criminal organization involved in gang activities and are making their case through Georgia’s RICO law. Initially, 28 defendants were in the case; many have since taken plea deals. Yak and several others are still fighting the charges in court.
It’s made many headlines because of how long it’s taken to actually be tried, its complexity, and, lastly, because prosecutors are using song lyrics in this very controversial manner. It sparked significant debates about the line between creative expression and intent. A judgment could, therefore, set a precedence for how courts handle such cases.
Despite the violence and setbacks, Yak remains committed to facing the charges head-on. A confirmation from his lawyer indicated he would appear in court on December 2, days from the attack.
The YSL trial is not just a trial; it has become a cultural moment. It speaks to the justice system, freedom of expression, and safety concerns on all sides in trials like this. To Yakima and the other defendants, it’s a deeply personal fight with lives and futures hanging in the balance. His stabbing is a grim reminder of the intense pressure and danger tied to this long and complex battle.
