Murder trial of Memphis rapper Young Dolph: Witness testimony on the third day

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The trial of the man accused of murdering Memphis rapper Young Dolph continues Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Justin Johnson is accused, among other things, of the premeditated murder of Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr.

Shelby County Prosecutor Steve Mulroy said Johnson is the only one currently on trial and expects the trial to be completed by Sept. 26. Johnson has pleaded not guilty. Cornelius Smith, who is also charged with first-degree murder, testified against Johnson and admitted to killing Dolph on the first day of the trial.

Johnson's lawyer Luke Evans said he expects Hernandez Govan, who ordered the murder of Young Dolph, to testify as well.

The live stream and latest updates can be found below.

The shooting death of Memphis rapper Young Dolph sent shockwaves throughout the Bluff City and across the country nearly three years ago.

Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith Jr. were both charged with, among other things, first-degree murder in connection with Dolph's death.

The trial of the two was originally scheduled to take place on June 3, 2024, but in May prosecutors said the defense had asked for more time so that all experts could review the information and prosecutors had agreed.

The trial had previously been postponed from March 11 to June 3, 2024. Judge Jennifer J. Mitchell took over the case after the Tennessee State Court of Appeals ordered Judge Lee Coffee to recuse himself from the Young Dolph case.

Hernandez Govan, who prosecutors say ordered Young Dolph's murder, is also scheduled to stand trial in Judge Jennifer Mitchell's courtroom on Monday, September 23.

This all came after a Shelby County judge granted a motion to change the venue for the trial in February, meaning an outside jury was brought to Shelby County to hear the case, which has attracted widespread media attention here.

Prosecutor Paul Hagerman said the change of location did not pose an obstacle to the prosecution.

Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was shot and killed at Makeda's Cookies on Airways Boulevard on Nov. 17, 2021. Police said two men got out of a stolen Mercedes-Benz and fired shots at Makeda's Homemade Cookies, where Young Dolph was making a purchase. Police released photos from surveillance video documenting the shooting, which they said led to the arrests.

Another suspect, Jermarcus Johnson, pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact in October 2023 and faces a prison sentence of six to 12 years.

If convicted, the defendants face a life sentence without parole, which in the state of Tennessee is currently 51 years, according to attorney Leslie Ballin.