One Suspect Found Guilty of Brutally Murdering Rapper Young Dolph in Memphis

Young Dolph

Memphis rapper Young Dolph was brutally murdered in 2021 outside Makeda's bakery in Memphis.

Justin Johnson, the first suspect in the murder case, was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and—he was sentenced to life in prison last week.

Justin Johnson. Photo/ABC 24 Screenshot

Dolph, legally known as Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., was shot over 20 times during the November 2021 attack that ended his life. According to multiple news sources, Johnson's co-defendant, Cornelius Smith, testified that he and Johnson killed Young Dolph at the request of another Memphis man, Anthony "Big Jook" Mims, the [brother of a fellow Memphis rapper Yo Gotti]. Smith claimed that Mims, who was killed in January of 2024, paid them $100,000 to execute Dolph. It's been speculated that "Big Jook's" death was a retaliation killing for Young Dolph. Cornelius' trial is scheduled for November—he's pleaded not-guilty to the murder charges.

Two other men were implicated in Dolph's murder: Hernandez Govan, who reportedly pleaded not guilty to murder and conspiracy charges, and Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty to being an accessory to the murder.

This story will be updated.

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