Alleged Mastermind Behind Young Dolph’s Murder Gets Lucky Break in Court, Faces Trial in September

Hernandez Govan, the alleged mastermind behind the murder of rapper Young Dolph in 2021, received a lucky break in a Tennessee court on Friday, July 12. Despite facing legal troubles, Govan managed to avoid having his bond revoked in the murder case.

Govan had been arrested on June 23 in Mississippi for trespassing, driving with a suspended license, and an improperly mounted license tag while out on bond for the Dolph case. He was able to bail out of the DeSoto County jail with a $2,250 payment. However, Judge Jennifer Mitchell decided not to revoke his bond in the murder case, allowing him to remain free until his trial in September.

Alongside Govan, two other suspects, Cornelius Smith and Justin Johnson, faced first-degree murder charges in connection to Young Dolph’s death. All three pleaded not guilty, while a fourth suspect, Jermarcus Johnson, took a plea deal for accessory charges and awaits sentencing.

Prosecutors alleged that Govan ordered the hit on the Memphis rapper, with Justin and Smith carrying out the crime. While Govan has been out on bond since 2023, Justin and Smith remain in custody. The trial process has been emotionally challenging for Young Dolph’s partner, Mia Jaye, who expressed frustration at the leniency shown to the defendants.

As the case continues to unfold, the hip-hop community awaits justice for the untimely loss of Young Dolph.