As the murder-for-hire trial of Yella Beezy, legally named Markies Conway, entered its third week, the defense presented its first witness to provide context regarding the rapper's actions following the death of Mo3. Lynn M. Scott, a veteran marketing executive who worked with Conway at Hitco Entertainment in 2020, took the stand to address questions regarding the timing of public statements issued by the artist.
Scott detailed the professional relationship between the label and the Dallas-based rapper, noting that Hitco routinely managed Conway’s travel logistics and promotional schedules. During her testimony, she explained that Conway was in California for a scheduled three-day promotional tour when news emerged regarding the November 11, 2020, fatal shooting of Mo3, born Melvin Noble. Following the incident, label leadership instructed Conway to remain on the West Coast for his personal safety and to continue professional obligations.
Under cross-examination, prosecutor Tommy Adams questioned Scott about a text message she sent to Conway and his team shortly after the shooting occurred. The message encouraged the group to “strategize” and “craft a response” before Mo3 had been officially pronounced dead. Scott defended the directive as a standard professional precaution, stating, “I’m a marketer. I thought he should be prepared.”
The defense also utilized Scott’s testimony to highlight that the label maintained significant oversight regarding Conway's output, including the release of tracks that referenced his ongoing conflicts with other artists. Additionally, the defense continued its efforts to dismantle the prosecution’s narrative that Conway offered financial incentives to Kewon White for the violence against Mo3. Lead Detective Eric Barnes was recalled to the stand to face further scrutiny regarding the alleged $40,000 payout, which prosecutors suggest was provided by both Conway and Trapboy Freddy. While Kewon White was convicted of the murder in September and sentenced to life, Trapboy Freddy has not faced charges in relation to the case.
The proceedings are scheduled to continue as the defense builds its case against the prosecution’s allegations.
