Yak Gotti Stabbed in Jail, Appears in Court as YSL Verdict Still Pending

Rapper Yak Gotti, whose real name is Deamonte Kendrick, was stabbed inside the Fulton County Jail on Sunday while awaiting a verdict in the Young Slime Life RICO case. Despite his injuries, Kendrick appeared in court on Monday as jury deliberations continued without a verdict.

Attorney Doug Weinstein confirmed that Kendrick was injured during an altercation at the jail's South Annex in Union City, Georgia. The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office said Kendrick sustained minor injuries from a sharp object during a fight with another detainee. He received treatment, including staples to his head, according to Weinstein, who said Kendrick was "doing really well."

“It’s a shame that anyone held in our jails has to go through that,” Weinstein said outside the Fulton County Courthouse. He added that Kendrick remains hopeful about being released soon.

Fulton County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Natalie Ammons confirmed in an email that Kendrick and another detainee were involved in a physical altercation and that an investigation is underway to determine the aggressor. “This is an active investigation to determine the aggressor in this incident and if charges will be pending,” Ammons said.

Kendrick is one of two remaining co-defendants in the YSL trial, along with Shannon Stillwell. Both were among 28 people indicted in May 2022 on charges including conspiracy to violate Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, murder, drug, and firearms offenses. Jury selection for the trial of six defendants began nearly two years ago, making it one of Georgia's longest-running trials.

Kendrick and Stillwell rejected plea deals offered by prosecutors, unlike Young Thug — real name Jeffery Williams — who, along with three other defendants, accepted plea agreements in October. Young Thug pleaded no contest to RICO and gang-related charges, resulting in probation after serving more than a year and a half in jail.

Prosecutors argue that YSL, also known as Young Slime Life, is a criminal street gang linked to numerous violent offenses. Defense attorneys contend that YSL is a record label, Young Stoner Life, not a criminal organization.

Kendrick, who raps as Yak Gotti, faces charges including conspiracy to violate the RICO Act, murder, gang activity, drug offenses, and firearm possession. Stillwell faces similar charges, including two counts of murder and gang-related offenses.

Young Thug’s plea deal includes conditions such as staying away from Atlanta for 10 years, performing community service, and avoiding gang associations or firearms. His co-defendants' decisions to reject plea deals mean they remain in jail while the jury deliberates their fate.

The jury began deliberating last Tuesday and took a break for the Thanksgiving holiday. Deliberations will resume this week.