Former Cobb investigator testifies about 2015 Lil Wayne bus shooting in Young Thug trial

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Young Thug’s historic gang trial in Atlanta resumed Monday as proceedings in the sprawling RICO case near their six-month mark.

The state called up a new witness to start the week. Special Agent David Raissi with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives took the stand Monday morning.

He previously worked for the Cobb County Police Department and testified about responding to and investigating the 2015 Lil Wayne tour bus shooting.

It’s another crime prosecutors are trying to link to the alleged YSL, or Young Slime Life, gang.

Prosecutors are attempting to show YSL is a criminal street gang responsible for numerous offenses. Defense attorneys say YSL is not a gang but simply the name of a record label, Young Stoner Life.

“I discussed what we had with that crime scene tech,” said Raissi. “She photographed the scene for me while I was standing there.”

Raissi testified that he was given permission to walk on the tour bus, where he was able to view damage and collect evidence.

He also testified about phone records surrounding the 2015 shooting.

Jeffery Williams - Young Thug’s real name - was indicted on May 9, 2022; he’s on trial in Fulton County in a massive RICO case involving himself and five other defendants. The trial itself began - with opening statement from Fulton County Assistant Chief District Attorney Adriane Love - on Nov. 27, 2023.

Young Thug himself is facing eight criminal counts under a federal law that was originally enacted to fight organized crime. Georgia is one of 33 states that has its own RICO law, but in the Peach State, the alleged criminal enterprises do not have to have existed as long as the federal law.

Defense attorneys have raised concerns that the trial could go on for years based on the number of witnesses the state plans to call up.

“We’re going to be making Super Bowl bets with each other in 2026, your honor,” defense attorney Doug Weinstein said earlier in the trial.

Attorneys for Williams argue the artist is not the leader of an alleged gang like prosecutors claim.

A total of 18 jurors have been selected, with six of them being alternates. Two jurors have already been excused; one had a medical emergency, and the other moved out of Fulton County.

Over the last month, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville has voiced his frustration about the pace of the trial. He’s put pressure on defense attorneys and prosecutors to work together and come to court better prepared to move the proceedings along.

He announced he’s willing to hold court on weekends if needed.

“I have spoken with our sheriff and, consistent with the court, if need be we’ll start having court on Saturday and Sunday,” Glanville said in April.

The jury selection process for Young Thug’s trial lasted longer than any other trial in Georgia history, and was repeatedly plagued by arrests, charges and disruptions. The trial itself could last for more than a year. Georgia’s longest jury selection and its longest trial both came in the Atlanta Public Schools teacher scandal of 2014-15.

Williams is also charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of codeine with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine; possession of a firearm; and possession of a machine gun.

Prosecutors have indicated they have about 150 witnesses they still plan to call.

Atlanta News First is broadcasting gavel-to-gavel coverage of Young Thug’s trial on its live stream and YouTube channel.

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