ATLANTA — On Monday, the state wrapped up questioning of one of its key witnesses, Kenneth "Lil Woody" Copeland, in the ongoing RICO trial against rapper Young Thug and several codefendants. Copeland returned to the stand after a week-long break.
Proceedings began with prosecutors presenting the remainder of Copeland's past interviews with police and jail calls. But as the state asked more questions, Lil Woody's patience only grew thinner.
He continued to answer questions reluctantly, testifying that he would tell the police anything he thought they wanted to hear.
"I was trying to tell them anything to get them off of me," Lil Woody said.
At some point, Copeland grew frustrated with the state's questioning about several phone conversations he had while in jail. He maintained that he lied when talking to police, including crimes involving Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams.
"I made it all up," he said. "I put everything on Thug. That man ain't have nothing to do with my stupidity. I'm sitting right here telling y'all the truth."
Watch the interaction below | Story continues after video
Copeland's temper continued to flare as the state's questioning drew to a close. He repeatedly expressed how tired he was of being on the stand and repeating how he lied about everything.
Copeland has been on the witness stand since the trial returned from a saga that saw the previous judge, Ural Glanville, removed from the case.
"No disrespect to you, but Ms. Hylton, you are running my nerves through the roof,” Copeland said. “I keep telling you, leave me alone.”
Although Woody continued pushing back against the prosecution's questions, the state provided evidence proving otherwise, including video of the night of the murder of Donovan "Nut" Thomas.
That's when Copeland grew increasingly angry, prompting him to go on a furious rant about feeling pressured to testify from both the defense and prosecution.
"Y'all got me up here. I don't know what's going on," Copeland said. "At this point, I feel like I'm on trial."
Following the heated interaction, Judge Paige Whitaker allowed Woody to take a "breather," and the prosecution ended their questioning.
Watch the moment below | Story continues after video
Cross-examination started in the latter part of the day, with Brian Steel beginning questioning. After Steel asked Copeland about his immunity deal, he asked to speak with his lawyer, which prompted Judge Whitaker to recess briefly.
Upon the court's return, Whitaker decided to adjourn for the day to allow for a full day of cross-examination on Tuesday. Proceedings will continue at 9 a.m.