Yella Beezy (real name Markies Conway), who faces capital murder charges in the 2020 slaying of fellow Dallas rapper MO3, has requested a postponement of his trial after a co-defendant was convicted and sentenced just days earlier.
Beezy’s attorneys filed a motion on or around September 9–10, 2026, asking Dallas County Criminal District Court to delay the start of jury selection, which had been set for Sept. 14. Defense lawyers say they need additional time to review the written transcript of Kewon White’s trial and prepare for potential testimony, including from an expert witness on witness incentives.
MO3 (Melvin Noble) was shot and killed on Nov. 11, 2020, on Interstate 35E in Dallas. Surveillance video captured a masked gunman in a black Camaro chasing and firing multiple shots at the rapper as he fled on foot. MO3 was struck 13 times and died at the hospital; a passing driver was also wounded.
Prosecutors allege Conway, who had publicly clashed with MO3 in the rap world for years, hired White as the hitman in a long-running feud that dated back to at least 2017. They point to phone records, cell-tower data, and highway surveillance video showing White waiting near MO3’s apartment before following him onto the interstate. Financial records include a $40,000 bank withdrawal from Conway’s account shortly after the shooting, which prosecutors say was tied to payment. Conway has denied any involvement and maintains the withdrawal was routine banking activity.
White is the first of three defendants to stand trial in the case. The other two—Devin Brown and a third unnamed individual—remain charged and awaiting their own trials.
White’s Trial: From Conviction to Sentencing
White’s capital murder trial lasted approximately eight days in August–September 2026. Prosecutors called a number of witnesses, including lead detective Eric Barnes, who testified about the planned and premeditated nature of the killing. An FBI agent also presented cell records showing White’s movements. Additional testimony covered the feud timeline, rap videos played for the jury, and the $40,000 withdrawal dispute.
Expert testimony included that from Cedric Bradley, who claimed White had confessed to him. On Sept. 4, 2026, the jury returned a guilty verdict after three hours of deliberation. The following day, Sept. 5, Judge Chika Anyiam sentenced White to life in prison without parole—prosecutors declined to seek the death penalty. MO3’s mother, Nichole Noble, addressed the court emotionally before sentencing, telling White, “I love you. Maybe that’s what you needed to hear, and you were looking for love with people that don’t love you.”
White has since publicly denied the charges and called the case “over.”
Defense Motion: Transcript Review and Expert Witness
In the motion seeking to postpone Beezy’s trial, defense attorneys—including lead counsel Toby Shook—emphasized that White’s trial produced a written transcript only days ago. With prosecutors’ witness lists nearly identical in both cases (264 witnesses listed for Beezy versus 263 for White), the same evidence—including claims of payment—will likely be presented.
The defense wants time to analyze the transcript for inconsistencies between witness statements. They also plan to call expert witness Julianna Moore, an 18-year-old federal-court veteran who would explain witness incentives or benefits in related cases, such as drug-related testimony. Moore is unavailable the week of Sept. 21, and the defense expects its own case to begin around that time. They argue that 10 working days after sentencing is insufficient.
Importantly, the motion stresses that another jury must decide Beezy’s guilt independently. White’s conviction does not automatically prove Conway’s involvement.
Background and Earlier Delays
This is not the first time Beezy’s case has been postponed. Earlier delays in January 2026 stemmed from voluminous discovery—prosecutors allegedly produced more than 16 terabytes of material—which the defense described as overwhelming and partially irrelevant. A judge ordered both sides to return for a new hearing on scheduling. Beezy has been out on bond throughout the proceedings and has been permitted limited studio time for music.
Beezy pleaded not guilty upon his arrest and has consistently denied any role in the killing.
Current Status
As of Sept. 11, 2026, the judge has not yet ruled on the postponement motion. The September 14 jury-selection date stands unless modified. The case (Cause No. F-25-00154) remains in Dallas County Criminal District Court. Once White’s trial is fully resolved, trials for the remaining defendants are expected to follow.
The case continues to generate public interest, with the same core facts alleged against both men. Outcomes will ultimately depend on the evidence presented at Beezy’s own trial and any inconsistencies highlighted by the White transcript.
