Young Thug and Birdman Dropped From Lil Wayne Bus Shooting Lawsuit
Two rappers have been removed from a long-running lawsuit over a 2015 shooting in Atlanta. Two court orders issued on Tuesday, 10 November, dismissed Young Thug and Birdman from the case, Billboard reported. Young Thug's legal name is Jeffrey Williams. Birdman's is Bryan Williams.
The lawsuit was filed in 2016 by Alvin Lewis, who had worked as Lil Wayne's tour bus driver. It concerns a drive-by shooting on the I-285 freeway in Atlanta, which took place after Lil Wayne performed at The Compound club.
Judge Eric A. Brewton threw out all claims against Young Thug, his label YSL, Birdman and Cash Money Records. The judge also found no evidence of an employment relationship between Jimmy Winfrey and either YSL or Cash Money Records. In other words, the court did not find that Winfrey worked for either company.
Winfrey had pleaded guilty to the 2015 shooting. That plea was later wiped out on appeal after it was found to be involuntary, meaning it was not given freely. The lawsuit is a civil case, which means it is a claim between private parties seeking money, not a criminal prosecution.
Lewis still has civil claims pending against Winfrey and Arnold Martinez, who is known as YSL Duke. Those claims are the parts of the case that remain active. A court conference to discuss possible trial logistics for them is scheduled for February.
Lewis's attorney, Jeff Gewirtz, said on Wednesday, 11 November, that the team plans to appeal the dismissal. An appeal asks a higher court to review a lower court's decision. Until one is filed and heard, the dismissal stands.
For anyone following the case, the difference matters. A dismissal removes specific defendants and claims from the courtroom, but it does not decide the rest of the case. The remaining claims against Winfrey and Martinez continue, and the February conference is the next scheduled step.
