FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Georgia's longest-ever criminal trial finally reached a verdict on Tuesday. Jurors acquitted Deamonte Kendrick on every charge. They acquitted Shannon Stillwell on all but one charge of firearm possession.
"We were thrilled. [Kendrick is] looking forward to getting out, getting back to his music, getting back to his family," attorney Doug Weinstein said. "I have got to thank Judge [Paige] Whitaker. The entire case changed when she took over. We got a fair trial."
Jeffery Williams, better known as the rapper Young Thug, trusted Whitaker to decide his fate in late October in a non-negotiated plea. She sentenced Williams to 40 years, with the first five to be served in prison but commuted to time served, followed by 15 years on probation. If he successfully completes that probation without any violations, another 20 years will be commuted to time served.
His dad, Big Jeff, told 11Alive he has no regret about his son's guilty plea.
"He did what he felt like he wanted to do," Big Jeff said. "He's grown. He made his own decision."
Young Thug's attorney, Brian Steel, told him he thought they were winning the trial and should go to verdict. However, Young Thug didn't want to wait.
"He told me I can't wait another three months if there is any possibility that I can go home because I have children that are hurting, I have things to do. He has medical issues that he would like to tend to," Steel told the court. "He eats out of a bag, Your Honor... he told me he wakes up every day and it's another day in H-E-blank-blank."
Judge Whitaker let him go home that day.
"He's doing great," Big Jeff said about his son now that he's free. "Honestly, he's doing great."
Watch his remarks below. The video contains some strong language. Discretion is advised.