"Defense requests mistrial as YNW Melly trial reaches day 15"
The state has rested its case in the murder trial of rapper YNW Melly, with Detective Mark Moretti as the final witness. The defense has filed a motion for a mistrial, claiming that the evidence presented by the prosecution is incomplete and forces the jury to speculate. The defense argues that the DNA and cell tower evidence is inconclusive and inaccurate. They also question Moretti's investigation, alleging that he did not gather enough surveillance video, interview all possible suspects, or authenticate the cell phone data. The prosecution presented a direct message on Instagram where Melly allegedly admitted to the killings, but the defense argues that the message does not match Melly's usual writing style and that the shared phones make it impossible to determine the author. If found guilty, Melly could face the death penalty or life in prison without parole. The trial is in recess until Tuesday when the defense is expected to call their first witness.