Murder trial of Memphis rapper Young Dolph begins | News

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The trial of the men accused of murdering Memphis rapper Young Dolph is scheduled to begin Monday.

FOX13 reporter Jeremy Pierre will be in the courtroom throughout the trial. Continue to follow this story for live updates on the trial.

7:15 a.m., September 23 – Young Dolph’s family problems opinion

Hours before Young Dolph's murder trial was set to begin Monday morning, his family issued a statement expressing “their hope for justice.” The full statement – issued by the law firm DR and Associates – can be found below:

“As the trial of the defendants in the tragic death of Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., known to millions as Young Dolph, approaches on Monday, September 23, 2024, his family wishes to express their hope for justice.

“We remain heartbroken over the loss of Adolph and we trust that the legal system will bring justice to all those involved in this crime. This has been an unimaginable time for our family, but the love and support of the community has given us strength as we continue to process this situation.”

The family expressed gratitude for the continued support from fans and the community, which has given them strength during this difficult time of pain that has been deeply felt throughout Memphis and beyond.

“We ask for privacy during the legal process and patience from those who stand by us. We trust that the legal system will bring justice to Adolph and allow us and the community he loved to begin the path to healing.”

The Thornton family is asking the media and public to avoid speculation about the trial and to respect the process. Official updates will be provided in due course and there will be a press conference at the conclusion of the trial. Further details will be provided once a date has been set.

4:30 a.m., September 23 – trial begins

FOX13 found that a jury of local residents has been selected for the trial, but it is unclear how many of the defendants will face that jury. FOX13 received conflicting information about who will stand trial.

There are four suspects in the case: suspected shooters Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith, suspected mastermind Hernandez Govan, and the suspected shooter's half-brother, Jermarcus Johnson.

Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was shot and killed at Makeda's Homemade Cookies on November 17, 2021.

RELATED: Everything we know about Young Dolph's murder, arrests and trial

Last year, Jermarcus Johnson pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact. He is not directly involved in Dolph's murder, but is accused of helping the suspected shooters flee from police.

Last month, the Shelby County District Attorney's Office told FOX13 that the only trial scheduled to begin in Memphis on Monday would be that of Justin Johnson. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to face a Nashville-area jury after a defense attorney argued that intense media coverage and social media attention would make it difficult to assemble a Memphis jury.

RELATED: Murder suspect Young Dolph's trial begins Monday

On Friday, the office sent another email saying they were Justin Johnson, Hernandez Govan and Jermarcus Johnson – even though Jermarcus Johnson had already pleaded guilty. FOX13 has reached out to the office for further clarification.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.