Memphis man sentenced to life for murder of rapper Young Dolph

Defendant Justin Johnson, accused of murdering rapper Young Dolph, appears in court during his trial, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Justin Johnson was found guilty of killing rapper Young Dolph Thursday after the jury heard testimony from a co-defendant that the killing was part of a feud between rival record labels.

Jurors deliberated for just under four hours before finding Johnson guilty of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a firearm. Judge Jennifer Mitchell of Shelby County Criminal Court sentenced Johnson to life in prison.

Cornelius Smith testified that rapper Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, released a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph and also put a bounty on all the artists on Young Dolph’s label, Paper Route Empire. Smith said he and co-defendant Johnson left on the morning of November 17, 2021, “looking for someone” and “didn’t know who we were going to catch.”

They knew that Young Dolph and some of his artists were participating in a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, so they were heading in that direction when they saw Young Dolph’s car. They followed him to a cookie store in Memphis and opened fire in broad daylight, Smith said. Young Dolph was shot 22 times and died instantly.

Assistant Prosecutor Paul Hagerman, in opening statements, told jurors that Young Dolph, real name Adolph Thornton Jr., was determined to succeed on his own as an artist, as well as with his own label.

“Trying to succeed on your own can create enemies,” Hagerman said.

He noted that Cocaine Muzik Group (now known as Collective Music Group), a rival label founded by Yo Gotti, wanted Young Dolph to work for them, but he refused. Young Dolph then wrote dissident songs aimed at the label, its artists and its “number two”, Big Jook. Big Jook was shot and killed outside a restaurant earlier this year.

In addition to Smith’s testimony, prosecutors presented a mountain of circumstantial evidence, including that from surveillance cameras and Johnson’s cell phone.

Johnson had pleaded not guilty, and defense attorney Luke Evans said in closing arguments that the videos only prove that someone wearing clothing similar to Johnson shot Young Dolph. Evans told the jury Smith would say anything to try to save himself.

“Cornelius Smith lies from start to finish,” Evans said.

Smith is also charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder and has pleaded not guilty.

Evans also noted that Smith’s fingerprints were found in the getaway car, but Johnson’s were not. And he said there was “no evidence Justin Johnson received a dime,” while Smith said he received $800 before being arrested and his defense attorney later received Another $50,000.

Hagerman countered that video and phone evidence supported Smith’s story. They included calls between Smith and Johnson shortly before the murder and a call between Johnson and Big Jook immediately afterward.

Also testifying was Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty in June 2023 to three counts of accessory after the fact to murder by aiding Smith and Justin Johnson, his half-brother. Jermarcus Johnson admitted to helping the two men communicate by cell phone as they fled from authorities. He was not convicted.

Hernandez Govan, who Smith identified as an intermediary with Big Jook, has pleaded not guilty to arranging the murder.

Young Dolph began his career by releasing numerous mixtapes, starting with “Paper Route Campaign” in 2008. His multiple studio albums include his debut “King of Memphis” from 2016. He has also collaborated on other mixtapes and albums with other rappers Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, TI, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and others.

Young Dolph has seen three albums reach the top 10 on the Billboard 200, with 2020’s “Rich Slave” peaking at No. 4.

Loller contributed from Nashville, Tennessee.

Photographic evidence is presented during the murder trial of Justin Johnson, accused of killing rapper Young Dolph, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

Retired Memphis police officer Terence Dabney testifies during the murder trial of Justin Johnson, accused of killing rapper Young Dolph, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

Defendant Justin Johnson’s attorney Luke Evans, left, speaks with Shelby County Deputy Prosecutor Paul Hagerman, right, during Johnson’s trial for the murder of rapper Young Dolph on Tuesday, September 24 2024, in Memphis, Tennessee (AP Photo/George Walker IV, swimming pool)

Photographic evidence is presented during the murder trial of Justin Johnson, accused of killing rapper Young Dolph, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)

Defendant Justin Johnson, accused of murdering rapper Young Dolph, appears in court during his trial, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, Pool)