Mariah Hamilton, the ex-girlfriend of rapper YNW Melly, was arrested on January 26 after re-entering the United States, facing an unresolved warrant linked to her failure to testify in Melly’s high-profile murder case. The arrest took place in Miami-Dade County and adds further complexity to the legal challenges surrounding the rapper, who is awaiting retrial for the 2018 double murders.
Hamilton has been a contentious figure in the case, as she was romantically involved with YNW Melly at the time of the alleged crimes. Her absence during Melly’s first trial, which ended in a mistrial in 2023 due to a hung jury, raised eyebrows and led to accusations of witness tampering. Legal documents indicate that she has experienced significant pressure from both sides of the ongoing case, with prosecutors alleging that associates of Melly attempted to influence her testimony.
In a previous interview with Law & Crime, Hamilton recounted her experience of being threatened by law enforcement. “When the situation first happened, me and my mom was — well, I was threatened. I was 17, about to turn 18,” she explained. She claimed that officers visited her home, warning her about potential charges of being an accessory after the fact if she did not cooperate.
Hamilton’s attorney defended her absence from court by stating that she never received a proper subpoena, which they argue justifies her failure to appear. Meanwhile, YNW Melly’s defense team is facing its own challenges, including an investigation into his attorney, Raven Liberty, for possible witness tampering.
In addition to these legal troubles, YNW Melly has filed a federal lawsuit against prison officials, alleging inhumane jail conditions and violations of his constitutional rights. However, these claims have not yet resulted in his release.
As the situation develops, it remains uncertain how Hamilton’s arrest will impact YNW Melly’s retrial and the ongoing scrutiny she faces regarding her role in the case. Prosecutors may push to deny her bond, compelling her to address allegations about her whereabouts during Melly’s trial and any possible involvement in witness tampering.
