Two more men accused in the 2020 killing of Dallas rapper Melvin Noble, known professionally as Mo3, appeared in court Friday as pre-trial hearings continued ahead of a highly anticipated trial set to begin next month. The proceedings come days after a separate hearing involving fellow rapper Mar kies Conway, known as Yella Beezy, who is accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot tied to Noble’s death. Noble was shot and killed in broad daylight on Nov. 11, 2020, after a confrontation along Interstate 35E in southern Dallas. Authorities said Noble exited his vehicle and ran from a gunman before being fatally shot. A bystander was also injured during the incident. Conway is charged with capital murder while remuneration, a legal term used in Texas for murder-for-hire cases. Prosecutors allege he hired others to carry out the killing. Two other men have also been charged in the case. Kewon White is accused of being the gunman who shot Noble and faces additional federal weapons charges. Devin Brown is accused of helping coordinate the shooting. During Friday’s hearing, attorneys debated which defendant should be tried first when court proceedings begin in August. White’s defense team argued his case should follow Conway’s, contending that testimony and evidence presented in Conway’s trial could affect White’s defense. “We believe there is information during Conway’s trial that could impact us,” one of White’s attorneys told the court. “We believe the only way that White can develop a full and fair defense is if Mr. Conway’s case proceeds forward and we can glean any beneficial evidence.” Prosecutors opposed the request, citing the age of the case and the impact of delays on Noble’s family. “I have a family that’s sitting here that deserves justice,” prosecutor Thomas Adams said in court. “He was indicted in January 2021 for killing Melvin Noble. Yes, we enhanced the charges to capital murder last year. But based off of everything procedurally that has gone on in this case, and the fact that he is on loan from the federal government … every single time we’ve had a setback, it’s been another reason why this family cannot get justice.” After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge ruled that White will be the first defendant to stand trial. Another major issue looming over the upcoming trial is whether some of Conway’s rap lyrics can be introduced as evidence. During previous hearings, a Dallas police detective testified about an alleged feud between Conway and Noble. Prosecutors argue certain lyrics support their theory that the killing was motivated by the rivalry and help establish motive and intent. Conway’s attorneys have pushed back, arguing the lyrics are artistic expression and should not be treated as factual evidence. The judge has not yet ruled on whether the lyrics will be admissible at trial. Before going into a one-hour recess during Friday’s hearing, the judge reminded attorneys for all three defendants to be prepared for trial, which is currently scheduled to begin Aug. 24. Court hearings are expected to continue as attorneys work through remaining evidentiary issues before jury selection begins. ...read more read less