Witness Me

Dallas-based rapper Theodore "Jose Bodega" Thomas took the witness stand in his friend rapper Markies "Yella Beezy" Conway's murder trial today, repeatedly testifying, "I'mma plead the 5th to that" before the judge dismissed him. I've covered cases where judges won't let witnesses invoke their 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination because they determined the witness isn't facing criminal exposure. Thomas spoke to investigators and testified before a grand jury, but no on questioned the legality of his invocation today as Dallas County Assistant District Attorney Tommy Adams asked about his prior statements related to the 2020 shooting death of Melvin "MO3" Noble Jr. "You recall testifying about members of GRC, also known as Get Rich Cartel?" "I'mma plead the 5th to that." "Do you recall testifying to specific instances of the feud that was going on, and describing the feud between Markies Conway, Trap Boy Freddy, ... as well as Melvin Noble, and what was going on during that time period?" "I'mma also plead the 5th to that." "Do you recall testifying about the assault of Roy Lee Pate and your involvement in the assault of Roy Lee Pate?" "I'mma plead the 5th to that." "Do you remember testifying and identifying Kewon White as the individual wearing blue underwear at the Ramona house?" "I'mma plead the 5th to that." A few minutes into the questioning, Judge Anyiam interjected, "It looks like he's pleading the 5th to all material questions that you're asking him. ... What does the state want to do at this point, other than ask him questions to which he'll want to invoke?" "Mr. Thomas. Is it your intention to invoke the fifth as it relates to everything that you testify to in grand jury?" Adams asked. "Yes," Thomas said. "And that relates also to all the prior consistent statements that you gave that were not under oath. Is that correct?" Adams asked. "Yes," Thomas said. Conway's lawyer asked Thomas in cross-exam, "You gave a recantation to Detective Barnes with your attorney present? Is that correct?" "I'mma plead the 5th to that," he answered.