🐀 The Gutter Report: Bortlen Flips — Proffer Deal Puts Melly in the Crosshairs
YNW Bortlen (Cortlen Malik Henry) just dodged a life sentence — but at a cost the streets will never forgive. On September 9, 2025, one day before his double-murder trial was set to begin, he struck a plea deal: pleading no contest to witness tampering, accessory to a capital felony, and unlawful use of a communication device.
In exchange, prosecutors dropped the two first-degree murder charges tied to the 2018 killings of Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams. His sentence? 10 years in prison plus 6 years probation — with credit for time already served.
But here’s where it gets sticky: the deal required Bortlen to give a sworn proffer — a statement to prosecutors about his role in the crime. Lawyers can spin it (“not an admission,” “no testimony expected”), but let’s be real: once you sit down and open your mouth for the State, you’re cooperating. Period.
🩸 Bortlen (left) and Melly (right) back when loyalty looked unbreakable. Fast forward to 2025, and that same bond is fractured by a courtroom deal.
🐀 Bortlen in court, wearing red — the face of a man who chose a plea over life, but in the streets, that choice carries a rat’s label forever.
🕰️ YNW Melly still waiting on his day in court — retrial now pushed back to January 2027. Nearly a decade behind bars with his co-defendant’s sworn words hanging over him.
Melly Still Locked, Waiting
While Bortlen found his exit route, YNW Melly (Jamell Demons) is still stuck in the belly of the beast. His first trial in July 2023 ended in a mistrial after the jury deadlocked. Since then, the State has been dragging its feet, filing motions and pushing dates. His retrial has now been kicked all the way back to January 2027 — meaning Melly will sit in Broward jail for nearly a decade before even getting a second shot at trial.
Now with Bortlen’s proffer on file, the prosecution has a new weapon. Even if he never testifies, his statement can be used to guide their strategy, shape their narrative, and box Melly in. That’s why the plea deal is so deadly: it gives the State ammunition without ever putting Bortlen on the stand.
Rat vs. Real
Let’s call it straight:
Bortlen copped out. He avoided life by trading in his silence.
The code don’t bend. In the legal world, they’ll call it “protective cooperation.” In the streets, it’s called ratting.
Melly’s case just got heavier. Even if he beats trial, his co-defendant’s proffer is a shadow that won’t leave the courtroom.
The whole YNW movement started with brotherhood — but under pressure, cracks always show.
Good morning and Godspeed.
— Elliott Carterr
📲 Instagram: @lftgradio
