YNW Bortlen has reportedly been offered a plea deal that could dramatically reduce the prison time he faces in connection with the 2018 murders of YNW associates Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams and Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr.
The offer from prosecutors is to agree to drop two first-degree murder counts if he pleads no contest to six remaining charges, including accessory after the fact, witness tampering, conspiracy, and gang-related offenses.
The deal carries a 16-year, three-month sentence, to be served concurrently, with credit for time already served.
If he rejects the deal, he could be facing multiple mandatory life sentences in two separate cases.
YNW Melly’s co-defendant, YNW Bortlen, was offered a 16-year plea deal and has until tomorrow to decide. He’s currently facing 5 life sentences plus 75 years if he’s convicted. pic.twitter.com/czke1SEJOx
— No Jumper (@nojumper) September 4, 2025
Prosecutors contend that fellow YNW member Jamell “YNW Melly” Demons pulled the trigger, while Henry helped cover up the killings. Melly, whose first trial ended in a mistrial earlier this year, remains in jail awaiting retrial.
“I can’t make the state make you an offer, and I can’t make you accept any offer,” Judge Fein told Henry “YNW Bortlen” Cortlen. “I’m just the referee. This is a business decision between you, your lawyers, and the state.”
A September 9 hearing has been scheduled for Henry to announce his decision, with trials in both cases set to begin the following day.