A resident of Memphis is given a lifetime imprisonment for orchestrating the murder of renowned rapper Young Dolph.
The jury decided to convict Johnson after nearly four hours of deliberation, charging him with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and illegally possessing a firearm as a felon.
Judge Jennifer Mitchell of Shelby County Criminal Court handed down a sentence of life in prison for Johnson.
Cornelius Smith recounted that Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, the brother of rapper Yo Gotti, had offered a $100,000 bounty on Young Dolph and placed bounties on other artists from Young Dolph's label, Paper Route Empire. Smith and his co-conspirator Johnson embarked on a mission on November 17, 2021, with the intention of finding someone, unaware of their target.
They learned that Young Dolph and some of his artists were participating in a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, so they headed in that direction. Upon spotting Young Dolph's car, they followed him to a Memphis cookie shop and opened fire in broad daylight, according to Smith. Young Dolph sustained 22 gunshot wounds and died at the scene.
During the opening arguments, Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman informed the jury that Young Dolph was determined to make it as a solo artist and label owner.
“Trying to make it alone can generate adversaries,” Hagerman said.
He pointed out that Cocaine Muzik Group (rebranded as Collective Music Group), a rival record label established by Yo Gotti, attempted to recruit Young Dolph but he turned them down. Young Dolph later released diss tracks directed at the label, its artists, and its “number two person,” Big Jook, who was later killed outside a restaurant.
In addition to Smith's testimony, the prosecution presented an overwhelming amount of circumstantial evidence, including footage from surveillance cameras and Johnson's phone.
Johnson maintained his innocence, and his defense attorney Luke Evans argued in closing remarks that the videos only prove someone wearing clothing similar to Johnson fired the shots at Young Dolph. Evans suggested that Smith would say anything to save himself.
“Cornelius Smith is lying from start to finish,” Evans stated.
Smith is also charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder, and he too pleads not guilty.
Evans further noted that Smith's fingerprints were discovered in the getaway car, but Johnson's were not. He also mentioned that there was no proof that Justin Johnson received any monetary compensation, while Smith claimed to have received $800 before his arrest and another $50,000 afterward.
The video and phone evidence, according to Hagerman, substantiated Smith's account. This included calls between Smith and Johnson ahead of the incident and a call between Johnson and Big Jook immediately following it.
Jermarcus Johnson, whom Smith identified as a go-between with Big Jook, pleaded guilty in June 2023 to three counts of aiding after the murder by helping Smith and Justin Johnson communicate while they were on the run. Jermarcus Johnson has yet to be sentenced.
Hernandez Govan, who Smith accused of orchestrating the murder, has pleaded not guilty.
Young Dolph began his career by releasing numerous mixtapes, starting with 2008′s “Paper Route Campaign.” He released multiple studio albums, including his 2016 debut “King of Memphis.” He also collaborated on mixtapes and albums with various rappers, such as Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, T.I., Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, and others.
Young Dolph had three albums reach the top 10 on the Billboard 200, with 2020′s “Rich Slave” peaking at No. 4.
After the trial, the defense team proposed that entertainment events could be a potential alibi for Johnson, given Young Dolph's popularity and frequent appearances. However, the jury dismissed this suggestion, focusing on the compelling evidence presented against Johnson.
During his time in prison, Johnson expressed an interest in entertainment as a means of coping, potentially considering a career in music or acting upon his release.
