Shannon Jackson: Rapper Young Thug's RICO trial on hold as co-defendant is stabbed inside jailhouse

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: The much-anticipated racketeering (RICO) trial of hip-hop sensation Jeffery Williams, widely known as Young Thug, has been temporarily suspended after a shocking incident inside Fulton County Jail.

One of the co-defendants, Shannon Stillwell, also recognized as Shannon Jackson and SB, was stabbed on Sunday, December 10, prompting a pause in the proceedings.

Shannon Jackson stabbed in jail

Shannon, affiliated with Young Slime Life (YSL), is presently receiving medical attention in an Atlanta-area hospital and is reportedly in stable condition.

Previously indicted in May 2022 on seven counts, including murder, racketeering, participation in a criminal street gang, and various gun charges, Shannon's involvement in the case has been central.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office Director of Communications, Natalie L. Ammons, confirmed the stabbing, indicating that inmate Willie Brown has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items in connection with the incident.

The press release from the sheriff’s office disclosed details of the altercation, stating, "On the evening of Sunday, December 10, 2023, a fight occurred between Willie Brown and Shannon Jackson at the Rice Street Jail. During the fight, Jackson was stabbed multiple times by Brown. Jackson is in stable condition."

"Brown and Jackson were housed in the same zone. It is unknown what led to the fight. Willie Brown was initially arrested by the East Point Police Department for several charges on July 22, 2020 and was being held without bond,” Law & Crime reports.

What is Young Thug accused of?

Young Thug, renowned for his distinctive style and mumble rap, has been accused of conspiring to commit murder, engaging in armed robbery, and participating in criminal street gang activity.

The rapper and his co-defendants are facing charges under Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and gang laws, among other offenses. 

Prosecutors allege that YSL, ostensibly a music label, serves as a front for a violent street gang that has allegedly been a source of turmoil in Atlanta for over half a decade, with Young Thug positioned as the kingpin and co-founder.

The stabbing incident, occurring just before the 10th day of testimony, adds another layer of complexity to a case already marked by months of jury selection and unforeseen setbacks.

Young Thug, Shannon, and four other co-defendants face an extensive trial following an 86-page RICO indictment filed against 28 defendants.

With numerous plea deals already taken and cases separated, the trial's pace is expected to remain slow, potentially extending over at least half a year due to the substantial number of defendants, allegations, and individual defenses involved.

What consequences would Young Thug face if found guilty?

The charges against Young Thug include racketeering conspiracy and two gang charges, each carrying a potential penalty of five to 20 years in prison. Additional charges, totaling six, also carry the possibility of imprisonment. 

Young Thug, who has been in jail since his arrest on May 9, 2022, has faced repeated denials of bond. The jury selection process concluded in mid-November, resulting in a diverse jury comprising seven Black women, two White women, two Black men, and one White man.

The trial, anticipated to last up to a year, is poised to feature testimony from numerous high-profile figures in the music industry.