YNW Melly’s ex arrested after skipping testimony in murder case

Mariah Hamilton, YNW Melly’s ex-girlfriend, was arrested after re-entering the U.S. amid unresolved legal issues.

Mariah Hamilton, the ex-girlfriend of rapper YNW Melly, was arrested Sunday in Miami-Dade County after re-entering the United States.

According to AllHipHop, this arrest follows an unresolved active warrant stemming from her failure to testify during Melly's first murder trial, which ended in a mistrial in 2023.

Hamilton, who was romantically involved with Melly at the time of the 2018 double murders he is accused of, has been a key figure in the ongoing case. She faces scrutiny for not appearing at the trial and for possible witness tampering. Prosecutors allege that Melly’s associates attempted to influence her testimony, while Hamilton claims law enforcement threatened her to provide information.

In a 2023 interview, Hamilton shared, “When the situation first happened, me and my mom were — well, I was threatened.” She further alleged that officers had come to her home, threatening her with charges of accessory after the fact. Hamilton’s attorney argued that she never received a proper subpoena to appear in court, contributing to her absence.

Amidst these developments, prosecutors may push for no bond, compelling Hamilton to testify about her involvement or lack thereof in witness tampering related to the case.