In a significant legal development, Justin Johnson has been convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and possession of a firearm as a felon in connection with the tragic killing of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr. Johnson was sentenced to life in prison by Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Mitchell immediately after the verdict was announced.
The jury deliberated for just under four hours on September 26, 2024, following three days of testimony and closing arguments. Notably, Johnson chose not to testify in his defense during the trial.
After the verdict, Carlissa Thornton, Young Dolph’s sister, expressed deep gratitude to the jury, emphasizing the profound impact of her brother’s loss on their family and community. She called Young Dolph a loving father, brother, friend, and philanthropist, urging the public to remember him for his positive contributions rather than the circumstances of his death. She also requested privacy for the family as other related cases progress.
The prosecution presented strong evidence against Johnson, including video and photographic footage that placed him at critical locations around the time of the murder. Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman praised the investigative efforts that clarified the timeline of events leading to Young Dolph’s death.
Defense attorney Luke Evans argued that Johnson was not the shooter and claimed insufficient evidence for the conspiracy charge. Despite these claims, the jury found the evidence compelling enough to convict Johnson.
Cornelius Smith, another man charged with first-degree murder in Young Dolph’s death, testified against Johnson, admitting his role in the shooting. Another suspect, Hernandez Govan, is also facing charges, but he did not testify during this trial.
The case has garnered significant media attention, leading to a change of venue for the trial to ensure an impartial jury. Court dates for Smith and Govan have been rescheduled, with Smith set to appear on November 15, and Govan scheduled for a hearing on October 9.
This verdict marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing pursuit of justice following Young Dolph’s shooting at Makeda’s Cookies on November 17, 2021, a crime that shocked the Memphis community
