Yella Beezy Trial Hears Security Officer Testimony
A former Dallas police officer detailed his role as off-duty guard for the rapper accused of hiring a hitman.
By Marta Gray ·
A Dallas police officer testified on Day 6 of the capital murder trial for rapper Markies Conway, known professionally as Yella Beezy. The officer, Nicholas Brooks, described his work as private, off-duty security for Conway and his girlfriend’s business, D Hair Boutique. Brooks said he reached out to Conway via text shortly after learning a rapper had been shot on the freeway. He explained that he contacted Conway because he was aware of their public feud and needed to know if Conway was the shooter or the victim.
Conway is accused of hiring Kewon White to kill rapper Melvin Noble, known as MO3, in 2020. Prosecutors allege the hit was part of a long-running dispute. Conway pleaded not guilty to capital murder. White was found guilty of capital murder in September and received a life sentence. A third defendant, Devin Brown, also faces capital murder charges. The trial is expected to continue for approximately two weeks.
Brooks testified that Conway paid him electronically using the Zelle app. The state questioned the logistics of this arrangement. Defense attorneys noted that Brooks initiated the hiring process and had to teach Conway how to use the Zelle app. They highlighted the personal bond between the two, noting that Brooks invited Conway to his wedding and joked about Conway naming his newborn child after him.
Brooks also discussed managing the security environment. He testified that he banned local rapper Trapboy Freddy from being present during his shifts. Brooks told the court that the presence of Freddy usually caused problems.
Earlier in the week, prosecutors presented evidence from an American Airlines employee and an Arlington jeweler. Flight records showed Conway and a witness, Thomas, traveled to Los Angeles days before the murder. White later purchased custom jewelry using large amounts of cash. A detective testified about tracking Conway’s vehicle on the freeway before officers arrested him at an apartment complex.
Defense attorneys argued that last-minute flights and large cash purchases are standard practices in the entertainment industry. They also pointed out that police did not formally charge Conway with evading arrest during the freeway tracking. The defense challenged Thomas’s decision to change his story, noting he waited until just before White’s trial to recant. Thomas admitted he originally cried before the grand jury due to guilt over lying.
The case centers on the 2020 killing of MO3, who was shot 11 times on Interstate 35 in Dallas. The trial was delayed by one month to allow Conway’s lawyers to review the transcript from White’s trial. Testimony is scheduled to continue each day after 9 a.m.
