The murder-for-hire trial of Yella Beezy, whose legal name is Markies Conway, moved into its third week on Monday (Nov. 9), with the defense calling its first witness after the State rested its case, according to a report from the source outlet covering the proceedings.
Marketing executive takes the stand
The witness was Lynn M. Scott, a veteran marketing executive who worked closely with Beezy in 2020 while at Hitco Entertainment, the label run by L.A. Reid. Speaking with defense attorney Johnny Gussio, Scott described how she was building marketing plans for the Dallas rapper and needed him in California for meetings in November 2020.
Scott said Hitco routinely paid for Beezy’s travel and had arranged a standard three-day promotional run to California starting Nov. 10, 2020. Those plans shifted after Mo3, born Melvin Noble, was fatally shot on Nov. 11. According to her testimony, label executives told Beezy to remain on the West Coast to finish additional promotional shoots and for his own safety.
Scott also testified that Conway made a short trip back to Dallas on Nov. 20 to see his mother, then returned to Los Angeles, where he stayed with his girlfriend and children. She said he even spent Thanksgiving at her home. She added that Hitco had full control over song release schedules, including tracks addressing the feud between Beezy and rival rappers, such as “Keep It in the Streets,” which she said was recorded before its official release.
Cross-examination over a text message
During cross-examination, prosecutor Tommy Adams questioned Scott about a text she sent to Beezy and other team members after news broke that Mo3 had been shot and killed on Interstate 35 in Dallas. In the message, she said the team needed to “strategize” and “craft a response.” Adams asked what she meant.
“I’m a marketer,” Scott said. “I thought he should be prepared.”
Dispute over alleged payment
Before the State concluded, defense attorneys continued to challenge the prosecution’s claim that Beezy promised a large payout to Kewon White and others to kill Mo3. Lead Dallas Police Department Detective Eric Barnes was recalled for more questioning on the alleged payment.
Prosecutors allege White received $40,000 from both Conway and Trapboy Freddy to carry out the killing. Trapboy has not been charged in connection with the case. White was convicted of murdering Mo3 and sentenced to life in prison in September.
The trial was scheduled to resume Tuesday morning (Nov. 10).
Source: xxlmag.com
Image: BOSS TALK 101 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
