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Young Dolph's murder sparks discussions on rising crime | LiveNOW from FOX
It’s been just over two months since the murder that shook the city of Memphis and even the nation. LiveNOW from FOX's Mckenzie Stasco talks with FOX 5 New York's Lisa Evers about the latest developments.
null - Justin Johnson, the man found guilty of murdering rapper Young Dolph, was given a life sentence on Thursday.
Jurors deliberated for just under four hours before handing down their verdict. Johnson was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and being a felon in possession of a gun.
What happened in court?
Cornelius Smith, who is also facing murder charges for the death of Young Dolph, testified that rapper Yo Gotti's brother, Anthony "Big Jook" Mims, had put out a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph and had also put bounties on all the artists at Young Dolph's record label, Paper Route Empire. Smith said he and co-defendant Johnson set out on the morning of Nov. 17, 2021, "looking for somebody" 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 Memphis cookie shop and opened fire in broad daylight, Smith said. Young Dolph was hit 22 times and died at the scene.
In addition to Smith's testimony, prosecutors presented a mountain of circumstantial evidence, including from surveillance cameras and Johnson's own cell phone.
Johnson had pleaded not guilty, and defense attorney Luke Evans said in closing arguments that the videos only prove that someone wearing similar clothing to Johnson shot Young Dolph. Evans told the jury Smith would say anything to try to save himself.
Smith has also pleaded not guilty.
Also testifying was Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty in June 2023 to three counts of serving as an accessory after the killing by helping Smith and Johnson, his half-brother.
Jermarcus has acknowledged helping the two communicate by cellphone while they were on the run from authorities. He has not been sentenced.
Hernandez Govan, whom Smith identified as a go-between with Big Jook, has pleaded not guilty to organizing the killing.
Who was Young Dolph?
Young Dolph began his career by releasing numerous mixtapes, starting with 2008′s "Paper Route Campaign." His multiple studio albums include his 2016 debut "King of Memphis." He also collaborated on other mixtapes and albums with fellow rappers Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, T.I., Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and others.
He had three albums reach the top 10 on the Billboard 200, with 2020′s "Rich Slave" peaking at No. 4.