Justin Johnson Found Guilty of Murder in Young Dolph Case

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Justin Johnson was found guilty of murder in the death of rapper Young Dolph on Thursday after a dramatic trial that revealed shocking details about the feud between rival record labels.

The jury deliberated for just under four hours before convicting Johnson of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and being a felon in possession of a gun. Johnson was sentenced to life in prison by Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Mitchell.

During the trial, Cornelius Smith testified that rapper Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, had ordered a hit on Young Dolph and had put bounties on all the artists at Young Dolph’s record label, Paper Route Empire. Smith and co-defendant Johnson set out on the morning of Nov. 17, 2021, looking for a target and ended up fatally shooting Young Dolph outside a Memphis cookie shop.

Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman highlighted the rivalry between Young Dolph’s label and Yo Gotti’s label, Cocaine Muzik Group, as a motive for the murder. Young Dolph’s refusal to work with Yo Gotti’s label led to diss tracks and escalating tensions between the two camps.

Despite Johnson’s plea of not guilty, prosecutors presented a substantial amount of circumstantial evidence, including surveillance footage and cell phone records that corroborated Smith’s testimony. Defense attorney Luke Evans argued that Smith was lying to save himself and pointed out discrepancies in the evidence.

The trial also revealed the involvement of other individuals, including Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty to serving as an accessory after the killing, and Hernandez Govan, who was identified as a go-between in the murder plot.

Young Dolph, known for his independent spirit and successful music career, tragically lost his life in the senseless act of violence. The trial shed light on the dark underbelly of the music industry and the consequences of rivalry and feuds.