The Yella Beezy trial has reached a major conclusion after a Dallas County jury found the rapper guilty of capital murder for his alleged role in the 2020 killing of fellow Dallas artist MO3.
Yella Beezy, whose legal name is Markies Conway, was convicted on November 11, 2026, and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Prosecutors alleged that Conway paid a gunman to kill MO3, whose real name was Melvin Noble, during a daylight attack on Interstate 35 in Dallas.
The verdict arrived exactly six years after MO3 was killed on November 11, 2020.
The case attracted widespread attention because of the artists’ reported rivalry, the alleged murder-for-hire arrangement and the extensive investigation that followed the highway shooting.
The prosecution presented financial records, phone communications, witness testimony and other evidence to establish its case.
Conway’s defense challenged the investigation, questioned the credibility of cooperating witnesses and argued that prosecutors had not established his involvement beyond a reasonable doubt.
The jury ultimately returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
The conviction brings a significant development in the case, although another defendant, Devin Brown, remains charged and is awaiting trial.
Background and Context: Who Is Yella Beezy and What Happened to MO3?
Yella Beezy is a Dallas-based rapper known for songs including That’s On Me, which helped establish his presence in the Southern hip-hop scene.
His legal name is Markies Conway.
MO3, whose real name was Melvin Noble, was another Dallas rapper who developed a following through his melodic approach to hip-hop and songs including Errybody.
Both artists were associated with the Dallas music scene, where their rivalry became part of the background to the criminal investigation.
Who was MO3?
Rapper Mo3 is shot dead on a highway in Dallas – Telegraph
MO3 was a Dallas rapper whose music attracted attention across the Southern United States.
His popularity grew through a combination of melodic rap, street-oriented storytelling and collaborations.
His death in November 2020 shocked fans and became one of the most widely discussed criminal cases involving the Dallas hip-hop community.
What happened on November 11, 2020?
According to prosecutors and trial reporting, MO3 was driving on Interstate 35 in Dallas when he was pursued and attacked by a gunman.
The shooter fired at him during a daylight incident on the busy highway.
MO3 was fatally shot at the age of 28.
Investigators subsequently examined the shooting as part of a suspected murder-for-hire plot.
Prosecutors alleged that Kewon White carried out the killing after being hired through an arrangement involving Conway and other individuals.
The prosecution’s case eventually resulted in separate trials for the people accused of participating in the killing. Fox 4 News+2
Latest Update: Yella Beezy Found Guilty of Capital Murder on November 11, 2026
Commissioners say Dallas judges aren’t working. But cases outpace pre-pandemic levels
The biggest development came on Wednesday, November 11, when a Dallas County jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict against Markies Conway.
According to FOX 4 Dallas, jurors found Conway guilty of capital murder by remuneration, meaning murder committed for payment or the promise of payment.
The jury concluded that the prosecution had established its case.
Following the verdict, Conway was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
The verdict was delivered on the sixth anniversary of MO3’s death, adding further significance to the development.
According to the Associated Press, the jury found Conway guilty of hiring the gunman who fatally shot MO3 in the 2020 highway attack. AP News+2
Key details of the verdict
| Case detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Yella Beezy |
| Legal name | Markies Conway |
| Victim | MO3 |
| Victim’s legal name | Melvin Noble |
| Court | Dallas County, Texas |
| Verdict date | November 11, 2026 |
| Charge | Capital murder by remuneration |
| Verdict | Guilty |
| Sentence | Life imprisonment without parole |
| Alleged gunman | Kewon White |
| Additional defendant | Devin Brown |
The conviction represents the conclusion of Conway’s trial, not the entire legal process involving everyone charged in connection with MO3’s death.
The Murder-for-Hire Allegations: What Prosecutors Said Happened
The central issue in the Yella Beezy trial was whether Conway arranged and paid for MO3’s killing.
Prosecutors argued that the shooting was not simply an isolated act of violence between rival artists.
Instead, they described an alleged coordinated murder-for-hire arrangement involving several individuals.
According to the prosecution, the alleged participants included:
- Markies Conway (Yella Beezy): The person prosecutors accused of arranging and financing the killing.
- Kewon White: The gunman accused of carrying out the shooting.
- Jerry Johnson: An alleged intermediary involved in communications.
- Devin Brown: Another defendant charged in connection with the case.
Prosecutors argued that the killing was connected to a longstanding dispute involving the artists and their associates.
The alleged $40,000 payment
One of the prosecution’s central arguments involved approximately $40,000 in cash.
Prosecutors presented evidence that Conway withdrew $40,000 after returning to North Texas in November 2020.
They argued that the cash was connected to the alleged payment arrangement involving White.
Phone records were also presented to support the prosecution’s account of communications between Conway, Johnson and White.
FOX 4 reported that prosecutors highlighted 15 calls between Johnson and White during a short period associated with Conway’s meetings.
The prosecution argued that the timing of these communications supported its theory of coordination.
These details formed part of the evidence the jury considered before reaching its verdict. Fox 4 News+2
The role of Kewon White
Kewon White was identified as the gunman responsible for MO3’s death.
He was tried separately and found guilty of capital murder in September 2026.
White was also sentenced to life imprisonment.
His conviction became an important part of the wider investigation because prosecutors used evidence involving his movements, communications and alleged connections to the other defendants.
The Yella Beezy trial subsequently examined whether Conway had hired White to carry out the killing.
The November 11 verdict answered that question in the prosecution’s favor. CBS News+1
What Evidence Was Presented During the Yella Beezy Trial?
Jury convicts ex-cop Amber Guyger who fatally shot neighbor | Court TV
The trial involved multiple forms of evidence, including digital records, financial information, witness testimony and investigative findings.
The prosecution attempted to connect these pieces into a broader explanation of how the alleged murder-for-hire arrangement was organized.
1. Financial records
The prosecution highlighted Conway’s reported $40,000 cash withdrawal after returning to North Texas.
Prosecutors argued that the withdrawal was connected to the alleged payment for MO3’s killing.
The defense challenged this interpretation, arguing that Conway regularly withdrew substantial amounts of cash for personal and family expenses.
2. Cellphone communications
Phone records were another important part of the prosecution’s case.
Investigators presented communications involving Conway, Johnson and White.
Prosecutors argued that the timing of calls supported their theory that the individuals were coordinating activities.
The defense questioned how investigators interpreted the digital records.
3. Witness testimony
Several witnesses testified during the trial.
One important witness was Cedric Brantley, whose testimony concerned information he said was connected to White and the shooting.
The prosecution argued that certain details provided by Brantley supported its account of the alleged arrangement.
The defense challenged the credibility of witnesses who cooperated with investigators and questioned whether their testimony was influenced by their own legal circumstances.
4. Surveillance and digital evidence
The trial also included surveillance material, phone-location records and digital forensic analysis.
These records were used to reconstruct movements and communications surrounding the killing.
The defense presented its own analysis of cellphone records and challenged the prosecution’s interpretation of some of the evidence.
The jury considered these competing accounts before reaching its verdict. Fox 4 News+2
Yella Beezy’s Defense: Why His Lawyers Challenged the Prosecution’s Case
What Should You Expect During A Bail Hearing?
Throughout the trial, Conway maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty.
His defense team argued that prosecutors had constructed a case around assumptions rather than reliable proof.
Several issues became central to the defense strategy.
1. Questions about cooperating witnesses
Defense attorneys questioned the credibility of witnesses who had cooperated with authorities.
They argued that some witnesses had their own legal interests and potential incentives to provide testimony favorable to the prosecution.
2. Alternative explanations for financial transactions
The defense challenged the prosecution’s interpretation of the $40,000 withdrawal.
Attorneys argued that Conway regularly handled substantial cash amounts and that the withdrawal alone did not establish a payment for murder.
3. Disputed cellphone evidence
The defense also presented digital forensic analysis to challenge how investigators interpreted cellphone activity.
A defense expert explained that cellphone records can establish device activity and approximate locations, but cannot always establish who physically possessed a device or what specific application was being used.
4. Alternative suspects and investigative concerns
Defense attorneys questioned the investigation’s focus on Conway and highlighted other individuals connected to the wider dispute.
They also challenged the reliability of certain witness accounts and argued that investigators had overlooked alternative explanations.
During closing arguments, the defense asked jurors to find Conway not guilty because, in its view, the prosecution had not established the necessary evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.
The jury ultimately rejected the defense position and returned a unanimous guilty verdict. Fox 4 News+1
The Trial Timeline: From MO3’s Death to the 2026 Verdict
Parts of Dallas County courthouse without power until at least Saturday
The case took nearly six years to reach its latest major development.
Here is a timeline of the key events.
- November 11, 2020: MO3 is killedMelvin Noble is fatally shot during a daylight attack on Interstate 35 in Dallas.
- Following the shooting: Murder-for-hire investigationInvestigators examine possible connections between the shooting, individuals associated with the artists and alleged payment arrangements.
- September 2026: Kewon White convictedA jury finds White guilty of capital murder for MO3’s killing and sentences him to life imprisonment.
- Late October 2026: Yella Beezy’s trial beginsConway faces trial on a capital murder charge involving the alleged murder-for-hire arrangement.
- November 10, 2026: Closing argumentsProsecutors and defense attorneys present their final arguments. Jurors prepare to deliberate.
- November 11, 2026: Guilty verdictThe jury finds Conway guilty of capital murder by remuneration.
- November 11, 2026: Life sentenceConway is sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
The conviction came exactly six years after MO3’s death, making the date particularly significant for his family, supporters and the Dallas music community. Fox 4 News+2
What Happens to Devin Brown? The Third Defendant in the MO3 Murder Case
With $1.5M grant in limbo, Dallas County reports criminal data for first time in years
Although the Yella Beezy verdict represents a major development, the wider case is not necessarily finished.
Devin Brown remains charged with capital murder in connection with MO3’s death and is awaiting trial, according to FOX 4’s reporting.
His legal proceedings are separate from Conway’s conviction.
This distinction is important because the guilty verdict against Conway does not establish Brown’s guilt.
Brown is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until a court determines otherwise.
The next developments in his case could provide further information about the wider investigation and the alleged roles of the individuals involved.
Broader Implications: What the Verdict Means for Dallas Hip-Hop
North Texas hip-hop artists are leaving Deep Ellum, creating their own inclusive events
The MO3 murder case has attracted attention beyond the courtroom because both artists were connected to Dallas’s hip-hop community.
Their music reached audiences beyond Texas, while their rivalry became part of the public discussion surrounding the case.
The verdict also raises broader questions about violence in the music industry and the consequences of conflicts that move beyond music and social media.
1. A major moment for MO3’s legacy
MO3’s death left a significant impact on fans who followed his career.
The conviction represents an important development in the effort to establish legal accountability for his killing.
His music continues to be remembered by listeners, particularly through songs that helped establish his identity in Southern hip-hop.
2. The consequences of violence surrounding the music industry
The case illustrates how personal disputes and conflicts involving people in the entertainment industry can have consequences far beyond music.
It also demonstrates the importance of separating artistic rivalries and public narratives from the legal evidence required in criminal proceedings.
3. A reminder of the importance of due process
The trial involved competing interpretations of financial records, digital evidence and witness testimony.
The jury’s responsibility was to evaluate the evidence presented and determine whether the prosecution met its burden of proof.
The verdict represents that jury decision.
Other individuals charged in the wider case must still receive their own fair legal proceedings.
What Happens Next? Five Developments to Watch
Following the guilty verdict and life sentence, several legal and public developments remain relevant.
- Appeal proceedings: Conway may pursue post-conviction legal remedies or an appeal through the Texas court system.
- Devin Brown’s case: The remaining defendant’s pending proceedings could bring additional developments.
- Court records: Further filings may provide details about the trial, sentencing and evidence.
- MO3’s legacy: Fans and the Dallas music community will continue reflecting on his career and death.
- Yella Beezy’s music career: His conviction and imprisonment create significant uncertainty around any future musical activity.
Any appeal or further court action should be confirmed through official court records rather than assumed.
Conclusion: Yella Beezy’s Conviction Marks a Major Turning Point in the MO3 Case
The Yella Beezy trial has reached a major turning point with Markies Conway’s conviction for capital murder in connection with MO3’s 2020 killing.
The unanimous verdict, delivered on November 11, 2026, resulted in a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
The prosecution built its case around an alleged murder-for-hire arrangement, presenting financial records, phone communications, witness testimony and other evidence.
The defense challenged the credibility of witnesses and the interpretation of the investigation’s evidence, but the jury ultimately found Conway guilty.
For MO3’s supporters, the verdict represents an important development six years after the rapper’s death.
However, the wider legal story continues, with Devin Brown still awaiting trial.
The case also serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of accountability and due process.
Six years after MO3 was killed on a Dallas highway, the November 2026 verdict has brought a significant conclusion to one part of the case, while the remaining proceedings are still to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Was Yella Beezy found guilty in the MO3 murder case?
Yes. A Dallas County jury found Yella Beezy, whose legal name is Markies Conway, guilty of capital murder on November 11, 2026.
2. What sentence did Yella Beezy receive?
Conway was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole following the guilty verdict.
3. Why was Yella Beezy convicted?
Prosecutors alleged that Conway hired and paid Kewon White to kill MO3. The jury found him guilty of capital murder by remuneration.
4. Who was MO3?
MO3 was the stage name of Dallas rapper Melvin Noble, who was fatally shot on Interstate 35 in Dallas on November 11, 2020.
5. Who killed MO3?
Kewon White was convicted of capital murder for MO3’s killing in September 2026. Prosecutors alleged that he carried out the shooting as part of a murder-for-hire arrangement.
6. How much money did prosecutors say was involved?
Prosecutors highlighted a $40,000 cash withdrawal by Conway and argued that it was connected to the alleged payment arrangement.
7. Did Yella Beezy admit to hiring the gunman?
No. Conway pleaded not guilty and denied involvement. The jury ultimately found him guilty after hearing the prosecution and defense cases.
8. Who is Devin Brown in the MO3 murder case?
Devin Brown is another defendant charged with capital murder in connection with MO3’s death. He remains awaiting trial, according to FOX 4.
9. When was Yella Beezy convicted?
He was convicted on November 11, 2026, exactly six years after MO3 was killed.
10. Can Yella Beezy appeal his conviction?
He may pursue available post-conviction legal remedies under Texas law. Any actual appeal or filing should be confirmed through court records.
11. Was Kewon White also sentenced to life in prison?
Yes. White was convicted of capital murder in September 2026 and received a life sentence.
12. Is the MO3 murder case completely over?
No. Although Conway and White have been convicted, Devin Brown remains charged and is awaiting trial.
Sources & References
1. FOX 4 Dallas: Yella Beezy Found Guilty of Capital Murder for MO3’s Death
2. CNN: Rapper Yella Beezy Convicted of Hiring Gunman Who Shot MO3
3. WFAA: Yella Beezy Trial: MO3 Murder Case Live Updates
4. Associated Press: Rapper Yella Beezy Convicted of Hiring Gunman Who Fatally Shot Rapper MO3 on Busy Dallas Interstate
5. CBS News: Kewon White Found Guilty of Capital Murder in 2020 Killing of Dallas Rapper MO3
6. The Washington Post: Rapper Yella Beezy Convicted of Hiring Gunman Who Fatally Shot Rapper MO3





