Posted by Drama erupted in the courtroom on Thursday, Oct. 29, when a childhood friend of Yella Beezy took the stand and refused to testify by invoking his Fifth Amendment right in the rapper’s high-profile murder-for-hire trial.
Theodore Thomas, also known as Jose Bodega, appeared in a Dallas, Texas, courtroom to face questions regarding his knowledge of the events surrounding the 2020 killing of Mo3. Prosecutors noted that Thomas had previously testified before the grand jury that indicted Beezy—born Markies Conway—on allegations that he hired Kewon White to carry out the fatal ambush. White was previously convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison this past September.
During the proceedings, prosecutors attempted to question Thomas about a 140-page grand jury transcript in which he allegedly discussed an ongoing dispute involving Beezy, Mo3, and other associates. However, Thomas remained steadfast in his refusal to answer inquiries regarding Beezy’s rap crew, the Get Rich Cartel (GRC), the long-standing feud between Beezy and rapper Trapboy Freddy, or his whereabouts in California alongside Beezy in November 2020, the time of the murder. To every question posed, Thomas responded, “I’m going to plead the Fifth to that.”
When the defense team asked if he intended to recant any of his previous statements, Thomas again invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination. Recognizing the impasse, Judge Chika Anyiam excused Thomas from the stand, warning him that he could be recalled and instructing him to return to court on Friday, Oct. 30.
Outside of his connection to the trial, Thomas is known by his rap moniker, Jose Bodega. He released his debut album, Mr. Bodega, in 2020, followed by Defamation of Character in 2022. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with both Beezy and Trapboy Freddy.
Beezy is currently facing trial for allegedly orchestrating the murder of Mo3, born Melvin Noble, on Interstate 35 in Dallas. The trial is expected to continue for approximately two weeks.