YNW Melly is in jail because he has been charged with two counts of first- degree murder related to the deaths of his two childhood friends, Anthony "YNW Sakchaser" Williams and Christopher "YNW Juvy" Thomas Jr. Prosecutors allege that he and another rapper staged a drive-by shooting to cover up the murders. He has pleaded not guilty but has been held in custody without bail since his arrest in February 2019 due to the serious nature of the charges and concerns for public safety. His first trial ended in a mistrial, and his retrial has faced multiple delays and is now scheduled for January 2027, meaning he has remained in jail through this prolonged legal process.

The delays in the case are due to a variety of legal complications including appeals, the COVID-19 pandemic, issues regarding trial evidence, and a conflict with his previous legal representation. Despite multiple requests from his legal team for release on bond, these have been denied, and he remains detained, partially because of witness tampering allegations and the grave nature of the charges.

In summary, YNW Melly remains in jail awaiting his retrial on double murder charges that date back to 2018, amid ongoing legal proceedings and trial delays.