A longtime friend of rapper Yella Beezy is expected to testify against him as prosecutors prepare for a highly anticipated trial connected to the 2020 death of Dallas rapper MO3.

The potential testimony comes from Theodore Thomas, known in Dallas’ music scene as Jose Bodega, who has ties to Yella Beezy and previously appeared alongside him in music.

Thomas’ cooperation became a focus of a recent court hearing, where a defense expert discussed the federal agreement that Thomas entered in a separate case.

The development could give prosecutors another witness as they prepare to present their case against Yella Beezy, whose legal name is Markies Conway.

Conway has pleaded not guilty and denies the allegation that he arranged the killing.

JOSE BODEGA AGREES TO COOPERATE
According to testimony presented during the October 6 hearing, Thomas entered into a cooperation agreement with federal prosecutors.

Defense expert Julianna Moore, a former federal probation officer, discussed the agreement and the potential benefits Thomas could receive as part of his cooperation.

Thomas had been facing a federal case involving drug-related allegations as well as a separate weapons charge.

According to the testimony, the weapons charge was dismissed, while Thomas pleaded guilty to a drug-conspiracy charge.

The agreement also includes cooperation with prosecutors in the case involving Yella Beezy.

That arrangement is now expected to make Thomas a potential prosecution witness.

DEFENSE QUESTIONS WHAT THOMAS COULD GAIN
Yella Beezy’s defense team is expected to focus heavily on Thomas’ agreement with prosecutors if he takes the witness stand.

The defense has argued that Thomas has a personal incentive to cooperate because his own legal situation could benefit from providing information to authorities.

During the hearing, Moore described the terms of the agreement and the potential difference between the penalties Thomas could have faced without cooperation and the outcome available under his plea arrangement.

That does not automatically determine whether Thomas’ testimony is accurate.

Instead, the defense can use the details of the agreement to challenge his credibility and ask jurors to consider whether he has a reason to provide testimony favorable to prosecutors.

The prosecution will ultimately have the opportunity to respond to those arguments at trial.

THOMAS HAS CONNECTIONS TO YELLA BEEZY
Thomas’ connection to Conway goes beyond the current criminal case.

The two have known each other for years and have also been connected through Dallas’ music community.

Thomas appeared on the song “Tool On Ya,” which featured Yella Beezy and Trapboy Freddy.

That previous relationship is likely to become relevant if Thomas testifies because jurors could hear about his familiarity with Conway and the people around him.

The defense could argue that the relationship gives Thomas personal knowledge of Conway, while also questioning whether his cooperation agreement affects his account of events.

PROSECUTORS ACCUSE YELLA BEEZY OF ARRANGING THE ATTACK
Yella Beezy is facing a capital murder charge stemming from the 2020 death of MO3, whose legal name was Melvin Noble.

Prosecutors allege that Conway arranged for Kewon Dontrell White to carry out the attack.

The state has pointed to a long-running dispute between Conway and Noble as part of its theory about a possible motive.

Prosecutors have also indicated that they intend to rely on phone records, surveillance footage, financial information, witness testimony and other evidence.

Conway has denied the accusation that he arranged the killing.

The allegations remain unproven unless and until they are established in court.

KEWON WHITE HAS ALREADY BEEN CONVICTED
The case has already produced one major courtroom development.

Kewon White, whom prosecutors accused of carrying out the attack, was tried earlier this year.

A Dallas County jury found White guilty of capital murder on September 4.

He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

White’s conviction does not determine the outcome of Conway’s separate case.

Yella Beezy remains entitled to a presumption of innocence, and prosecutors must still prove their allegations against him beyond a reasonable doubt.

THE WHITE TRIAL COULD SHAPE BEEZY’S CASE
Because White was tried before Conway, prosecutors were able to present much of their theory about the alleged plot in court.

Evidence discussed during White’s trial included surveillance footage, phone records, witness accounts and financial information.

The prosecution also presented evidence concerning the relationship between Conway and Noble.

Defense attorneys representing Conway have requested records and transcripts from White’s trial as they prepare for the upcoming proceedings.

That material could become important as both sides prepare to question witnesses and challenge evidence.

RAP LYRICS HAVE ALSO BECOME PART OF THE LEGAL BATTLE
Another unusual aspect of the case involves Yella Beezy’s music.

Prosecutors have sought to introduce certain lyrics and other music-related material as evidence.

The defense has argued that rap lyrics should not automatically be interpreted as literal statements about real-world events.

A judge has already ruled that some of Conway’s music can be presented to jurors, while other evidence will be subject to additional limitations.

The debate has become a significant part of the pretrial proceedings.

Prosecutors argue that some of the material is relevant to the relationship between Conway and Noble and to the state’s broader theory.

The defense maintains that artistic expression should not be treated as a factual confession.

THE TRIAL DATE HAS BEEN MOVED TO OCTOBER
Conway’s trial was originally expected to begin earlier in the fall.

However, his defense team requested additional time to review material from White’s trial and prepare expert witnesses.

A Dallas judge subsequently granted a continuance.

Jury selection is now scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026, before Dallas County Judge Chika Anyiam.

The trial is expected to attract significant attention because of the high-profile nature of the case and the long-running connection between the two Dallas rappers.

ANOTHER DEFENDANT REMAINS IN THE CASE
Conway is not the only person facing charges related to the investigation.

Devin Brown is also charged with capital murder.

Prosecutors allege that Brown was involved in the events surrounding Noble’s death.

His case remains separate from Conway’s proceedings.

As with Conway, the allegations against Brown have not been established as fact unless proven in court.

WHAT THOMAS’ TESTIMONY COULD MEAN
If Thomas ultimately takes the witness stand, his testimony could become an important part of the prosecution’s case.

The defense is likely to question his relationship with Conway, his own criminal case and the benefits he may receive under his cooperation agreement.

Jurors would then be responsible for evaluating his credibility alongside the other evidence presented at trial.

A cooperation agreement does not by itself establish that a witness’ claims are true.

The significance of Thomas’ testimony will depend on what he says under oath and whether prosecutors can corroborate his account with independent evidence.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The next major step is jury selection, currently scheduled for October 26.

The court will then hear opening statements and testimony as prosecutors attempt to prove their allegations against Conway.

The defense is expected to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, including the credibility of cooperating witnesses and the interpretation of music and other material.

For Yella Beezy, the case now enters one of its most consequential stages.

A childhood friend who once shared connections with him in Dallas’ music community is expected to become a prosecution witness, while Conway continues to deny the charge against him.

The upcoming trial will determine whether prosecutors can establish their allegations in court.

Until then, the case remains unresolved.

SOURCES
AllHipHop — Yella Beezy’s Childhood Friend Agrees To Testify Against Him In MO3 Murder Case