VERO BEACH — Jamell Demons' next court appearance — a status hearing where prosecutors and attorneys will discuss the progress of the Gifford rapper's double homicide capital murder case, possibly by Zoom — is scheduled Jan. 28, 2021.

Despite messages of "Free Melly" from YNW Melly fans, and the 21-year-old incarcerated artist's tweets saying he'll "be home soon," prosecutors said even without the COVID-19 pandemic, homicide cases regularly take "more than a couple years" to reach trial.

Yet, fueled by social media gossip and online clickbait, speculation persists on the status of the rapper's case and his incarceration.

The Broward County State Attorney's Office said Demons' case isn't going to trial anytime soon, and without bond, Demons will be staying in jail.

"COVID-19 is affecting practically all cases in our jurisdiction," said Broward State Attorney's Office spokeswoman Paula McMahon, by email. "Every case has unique facts and circumstances, but homicide cases routinely take more than a couple of years."

Almost two years after the Oct. 26, 2018 shooting deaths of Anthony Williams of Gifford — YNW Sakchaser — and Christopher Thomas Jr. of Fort Pierce — YNW Juvy, Demons remains in Broward County Jail where he's been held without bail on two first-degree murder charges since he turned himself in to law enforcement on Feb. 13, 2019.

A number of factors likely have caused confusion about the case, namely the affect of the pandemic on courtrooms across the state, and the release from jail of Demons' longtime friend and fellow rapper Cortlen Henry, known as YNW Bortlen, who was arrested on two murder and accessory charges in the shootings.

Demons, who his attorney said contracted COVID-19 in jail, fought for release from jail in April but was denied by a judge in May. He was thought to be the second person to test positive for the virus inside the facility.