Justin Johnson, one of the men accused of murdering rapper Young Dolph in 2021, has been sentenced to life in prison. On September 26, Johnson was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and firearm possession as a convicted felon.
Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., was shot and killed at age 36 outside Makeda’s Butter Cookies in Memphis, as reported by PEOPLE. After nearly four hours of deliberation, Johnson was found guilty on all three counts related to the 2021 murder of rapper Young Dolph.
During the four-day trial, co-defendant Cornelius Smith confessed to participating in the shooting with Johnson, expecting to receive $40,000 each. Smith testified that Hernandez Govan, also charged in the case, orchestrated the hit.
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He testified that he was following instructions from Anthony Mims, also known as Big Jook, Yo Gotti’s brother. Smith alleged that Mims and Johnson were to pay Govan $10,000 each for organizing Young Dolph’s fatal shooting.
Mims was shot and killed in Memphis in January, and no arrests have been made in his death, according to the Commercial Appeal.
“Every murder’s a tragedy, and we take them all seriously,” District Attorney Steve Mulroy said. “This one generated extra public interest because Young Dolph was a prominent and beloved member of the community. We will continue to fight hard to make sure that all of those responsible for his death are brought to justice.”
Once the verdict was read, Dolph’s sister, Carlissa Thornton, read a statement to the media, Local Memphis reported.
“On Nov. 17, 2021, our lives changed forever,” Thornton said. “A son, a father, a brother, a friend, a businessman, a music artist, a philanthropist, and life partner are among just some of the titles that my brother Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. held. Titles that have now left a missing piece in the lives of so many. I want to thank the jury for their service and decision in this case to bring us one step closer to justice for our family, friends, supporters, and the community that has supported us during this time.”
Thornton also thanked those who had shared an “outpouring of love and support throughout this process.”
“We ask that instead of focusing on those who committed this crime, you focus on that man that Adolph Robert Thornton was… We ask you to remember the man that enjoyed being a father and spending time with his family. We ask that you remember the man who enjoyed giving opportunities to those who were often overlooked and counted out,” she said.
“We will continue to heal and keep Adolph’s legacy alive,” his sibling concluded.
During closing arguments, defense attorney Luke Evans said, “[Johnson] didn’t kill Adolph Thornton Jr. He didn’t conspire to kill Adolph Thornton Jr. And he wasn’t the man holding the pistol in the Makeda video.”
Jermarcus Johnson, half-brother of Johnson, pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact in Young Dolph’s murder, facing six to 12 years in jail, according to Local Memphis.
Govan pleaded not guilty to planning the killing and faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, reports the Associated Press.
Govan’s next court date is set for October 9, while Smith, who also faces murder and conspiracy charges, is scheduled to appear on November 15, per Local Memphis.
