Jury convicts Justin Johnson of murdering rapper Young Dolph

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Justin Johnson was found guilty Thursday of murdering rapper Young Dolph after the jury heard testimony from a co-defendant that the murder was part of a feud between rival record labels.

The jury deliberated for nearly four hours before finding Johnson guilty of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a weapon. Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Mitchell sentenced Johnson to life in prison.

Cornelius Smith testified that rapper Yo Gotti's brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, paid out a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph and also placed bounties on all artists on Young Dolph's record label, Paper Route Empire. Smith said he and his co-defendant Johnson set out on the morning of Nov. 17, 2021, “looking for someone” 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 raffle, so when they saw Young Dolph's car, they headed in that direction. They followed him to a cookie shop in Memphis and opened fire in broad daylight, Smith said. Young Dolph was hit 22 times and died at the scene.

Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman told jurors in his opening statements that Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was determined to make it on his own as an artist and also with his own label.

“Trying to go it alone can create enemies,” Hagerman said.

He noted that Cocaine Muzik Group (now known as Collective Music Group), a rival record label founded by Yo Gotti, wanted Young Dolph to work for them, but he declined. Young Dolph later wrote diss tracks aimed at the label, its artists and his “number two”, Big Jook. Big Jook was shot dead outside a restaurant earlier this year.

In addition to Smith's testimony, prosecutors presented a mountain of circumstantial evidence, including from surveillance cameras and Johnson's own cellphone.

Johnson had pleaded not guilty, and defense attorney Luke Evans said in closing arguments that the videos only proved that someone wearing similar clothing to Johnson shot Young Dolph. Evans told the jury Smith would do anything to try to save himself.

“Cornelius Smith lies from start to finish,” Evans said.

Smith is also charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder and has pleaded not guilty.

Evans also noted that Smith's fingerprints were found in the getaway car, but Johnson's were not. And he said there was “no evidence that Justin Johnson received a penny,” while Smith testified he received $800 before his arrest and his defense attorney later received another $50,000.

Hagerman countered that the video and cell phone evidence corroborated Smith's story. These included calls between Smith and Johnson shortly before the murder and a call between Johnson and Big Jook immediately afterward.

Also testifying was Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty in June 2023 to three counts of accessory after the murder by helping Smith and Justin Johnson, his half-brother. Jermarcus Johnson has admitted to helping the two communicate via cell phone while fleeing authorities. He was not convicted.

Hernandez Govan, whom Smith identified as Big Jook's go-between, pleaded not guilty to organizing the murder.

The young Dolph began his career by releasing numerous mixtapes, starting with 2008's “Paper Route Campaign.” His numerous studio albums include his 2016 debut “King of Memphis.” He also worked on other mixtapes and albums with fellow rappers Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, TI, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and others.

Three Young Dolph albums reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200, with 2020's “Rich Slave” reaching No. 4.

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