Atlanta, GA
WATCH: Two years after indictment, Young Thug’s Atlanta trial resumes
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Two years to the day he was indicted, Young Thug’s historic gang trial in Atlanta resumes Thursday.
Jeffery Williams – Young Thug’s real name – was indicted on May 9, 2022; he’s on trial in Fulton County in a massive RICO case involving himself and five other defendants. Young Thug himself is facing eight criminal counts under a federal law that was originally enacted to fight organized crime. Georgia is one of 33 states that has its own RICO law, but in the Peach State, the alleged criminal enterprises do not have to have existed as long as the federal law.
Defense attorneys have raised concerns the trial could go years based on the number of witnesses the state plans to call up. Attorneys for Williams argue the artist is not the leader of an alleged gang like prosecutors claim.
A total of 18 jurors have been selected, with six of them being alternates. Two jurors have already been excused; one had a medical emergency, and the other moved out of Fulton County.
On Wednesday defense attorneys cross examined Tyrone Dennis, a retired Atlanta police investigator who has been on the stand for the last few days.
Max Schardt, who represents Shannon Stillwell, questioned the witness about his prior police reports. At one point the judge excused the jury to tell Schardt that his examination borders on condescension.
“Your conduct cannot be improper toward our witnesses, okay?” Judge Ural Glanville said.
“I wasn’t directing anything toward the witness, I think he understands my question,” replied Schardt. He said he felt he was not being allowed to ask questions as the state kept objecting while he was cross-examining Dennis.
Earlier in the day the judge scolded defense attorneys for the continued delays and for not flagging motions and objections earlier so they can be address before the jury and witnesses are called in.
The jury selection process for Young Thug’s trial lasted longer than any other trial in Georgia history, and was repeatedly plagued by arrests, charges, and disruptions. The trial itself could last for more than a year. Georgia’s longest jury selection and its longest trial both came in the Atlanta Public Schools teacher scandal of 2014-15.
Opening statements began on Nov. 27, 2023.
Defense attorneys for Williams and his remaining co-defendants say YSL (Young Slime Life or Young Stoner’s Life) is Young Thug’s record label. Prosecutors are attempting to show YSL is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous offenses.
Williams is also charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of codeine with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine; possession of a firearm; and possession of a machine gun.
Prosecutors have indicated they have about 150 witnesses they still plan to call.
Atlanta News First is broadcasting gavel-to-gavel coverage of Young Thug’s trial on its live stream and YouTube channel.
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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A person is being treated for injuries after being shot in northwest Atlanta overnight Monday.
According to police, officers responded to 2621 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy. NW about a person being shot around 1:48 a.m.
Atlanta News First has reached out to the police department about the victim’s condition and if a suspect has been arrested and charged.
This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.
Copyright 2025 WANF. All rights reserved.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons made all of their selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, building a class that consists nearly entirely of defenders.
Defense has been a focus for the Falcons all offseason, and the draft represented the latest opportunity for improvement. Head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot expressed their excitement for Atlanta’s selections throughout the weekend.
The draft pundits were a bit more mixed on the Falcons’ haul, with most of their reservations linked to the 2026 first-round pick Atlanta gave up to move back into the first round to select James Pearce Jr. Fontenot discussed that move over the weekend, saying their belief in the player outweighed the value of a pick next year.
“Well, if you look at the trade from yesterday, basically what we did is we used our first round pick this year, right? When you really think about it, what we gave up for it is we went from the second round to the third round, if you really put it in a nutshell. …
“It’s about who the player is, and we’re not being irresponsible about it. We’re making decisions based on conviction and love for players and knowing the impact they’re going to make on this team.”
The first-round value Atlanta gave away in 2026 will be tied to the team’s performance this season. If the Falcons make the jump and achieve their goal of reaching the postseason, that first-round pick would be closer to the No. 26 pick they received in the trade and the value would therefore look more equal.
Interestingly enough, NFL data analyst Warren Sharp declared that Atlanta came away with the best value in the entire draft, despite the claims that the Falcons gave away too much to get the players they did. If that value translates to the field, Atlanta’s class will likely rise in estimation.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — A current backup quarterback was traded in the middle of Day 3 of the 2025 NFL draft, and despite pre-draft speculation, it wasn’t Atlanta Falcons passer Kirk Cousins.
The Seattle Seahawks, who drafted Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe at No. 92 overall Friday night, dealt Sam Howell and pick No. 172 overall to the Minnesota Vikings for the 142th pick, according to ESPN. Howell is now expected to be Minnesota’s backup to rising second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Two picks later, the Cleveland Browns traded up to select Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders at No. 144 overall. Sanders is the Browns’ second quarterback draftee, joining third-round pick Dillon Gabriel from Oregon.
Cleveland now has five quarterbacks: Sanders, Gabriel and former starters Deshaun Watson, Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. The Browns likely won’t add a sixth.
So, the Vikings and Browns appear out of the market for Cousins. The Athletic insider Dianna Russini reported Wednesday that Minnesota, Cleveland and the Pittsburgh Steelers were the “most likely potential suitors” to land Cousins, who both NFL Network and The Athletic suggested could be moved during the draft.
The Steelers are still waiting on an answer from free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who suddenly holds significant power over Cousins’s future. If Rodgers decides he doesn’t want to continue playing, Cousins, who’s considered the next-best available veteran option, could be the apple of Pittsburgh’s proverbial eye.
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said in his pre-draft press conference April 23 he couldn’t anticipate whether Atlanta would receive any calls about trading Cousins during the draft, but he’d be willing to listen.
“In reference to Kirk, with any player, like we’ve always said, ‘Hey, look, we’re going to do what’s best for this football team, whether that’s a trade or whatever it is,’” Fontenot said. “And so, we’re open to whatever it is if it’s going to help the team.”
The Falcons have stressed throughout the offseason they’re “comfortable” keeping Cousins as a backup to Michael Penix Jr., the role he held for the final three games of the regular season.
Cousins showed up for the first day of Atlanta’s voluntary offseason program April 22, though he expressed interest earlier this offseason in being traded to a place he can start.
But suddenly, the 36-year-old’s options are dwindling — and the Falcons may be forced to wait until training camp to find a dancing partner.
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