Justin Johnson Sentenced to Life for Killing Rapper Young Dolph \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Justin Johnson has been convicted of the 2021 murder of rapper Young Dolph following testimony that revealed a feud between rival record labels as the motive. Co-defendant Cornelius Smith testified that a $100,000 bounty had been placed on Young Dolph by Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims. Johnson was sentenced to life in prison, while Smith awaits trial.
Young Dolph Murder Case: Quick Looks
- Justin Johnson found guilty of Young Dolph’s murder and sentenced to life in prison.
- Co-defendant Cornelius Smith testified about a feud between record labels leading to the killing.
- Yo Gotti’s brother, Big Jook, allegedly placed a $100,000 bounty on Young Dolph.
- Young Dolph was shot 22 times at a Memphis cookie shop in November 2021.
- Smith testified he received $800 before his arrest, while Johnson allegedly received nothing.
- Defense attorney claimed there was no direct evidence linking Johnson to the crime.
- Smith awaits trial, while other co-defendants face various charges related to the killing.
Deep Look:
Justin Johnson has been found guilty of the 2021 murder of rapper Young Dolph in a case that revealed a violent feud between two prominent Memphis-based record labels. After just under four hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Johnson of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Mitchell sentenced Johnson to life in prison for his role in the killing.
The trial’s key testimony came from co-defendant Cornelius Smith, who implicated both himself and Johnson in a planned assassination that stemmed from tensions between Young Dolph’s Paper Route Empire and Yo Gotti’s Cocaine Muzik Group (now Collective Music Group). According to Smith, Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, had offered a $100,000 bounty for the murder of Young Dolph, along with additional bounties on other artists associated with his record label.
Smith testified that he and Johnson set out on the morning of November 17, 2021, specifically looking for someone connected to Paper Route Empire. Smith recalled that they were aware Young Dolph and his labelmates were participating in a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, and they headed toward the location. By chance, they spotted Young Dolph’s car and followed him to Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies, a local Memphis cookie shop. Once Young Dolph entered the shop, they opened fire on him in broad daylight. Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was struck 22 times and died at the scene.
The prosecution, led by Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman, argued that Young Dolph’s independent success and refusal to join forces with rival labels had created enemies. Hagerman explained that Young Dolph had turned down offers to work with Cocaine Muzik Group, choosing instead to pursue his career independently through his own label, Paper Route Empire. His decision to go solo and his diss tracks targeting the label and its affiliates fueled the tensions, ultimately leading to his murder.
Hagerman also highlighted the growing animosity between Young Dolph and Big Jook, who was seen as Yo Gotti’s right-hand man within the music label. Big Jook had been a target of diss tracks by Young Dolph and was named as the person who put out the hit. Smith corroborated this, testifying that Big Jook not only ordered the hit but had orchestrated payments for those involved in carrying it out. In a further tragic twist, Big Jook was shot and killed earlier this year, outside a restaurant.
Throughout the trial, prosecutors presented extensive circumstantial evidence to back Smith’s testimony. This included surveillance footage and cell phone data that tracked Johnson’s movements before, during, and after the murder. Hagerman pointed to phone records showing communication between Smith and Johnson shortly before the murder, as well as a phone call between Johnson and Big Jook immediately after the killing. This evidence, the prosecution argued, firmly placed Johnson at the scene of the crime and corroborated Smith’s narrative.
Despite the mountain of evidence against Johnson, his defense attorney, Luke Evans, maintained his client’s innocence. Evans argued that the prosecution’s case relied too heavily on the testimony of Cornelius Smith, whom he described as unreliable and desperate to save himself. Evans claimed that Smith was “lying from start to finish” and emphasized that Smith’s fingerprints were found in the getaway car, while Johnson’s were not. Additionally, Evans pointed out that Smith admitted to receiving $800 from Big Jook before his arrest, while Johnson allegedly did not receive any money for the crime.
Evans also cast doubt on the identification of Johnson as the shooter, arguing that the surveillance footage only showed someone wearing clothes similar to what Johnson had been seen in. He contended that there was no definitive proof that Johnson was the person who fired the fatal shots.
However, the jury ultimately found the prosecution’s evidence compelling, and Johnson was convicted on all charges. Smith, who testified against Johnson as part of his own defense, still faces charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. He has pleaded not guilty.
Several other individuals have been charged in connection with Young Dolph’s murder. One of them, Jermarcus Johnson, pleaded guilty in June 2023 to three counts of being an accessory after the fact. Jermarcus, who is Justin Johnson’s half-brother, admitted to helping both Johnson and Smith communicate via cell phone while they were evading authorities. He has yet to be sentenced. Another suspect, Hernandez Govan, has been identified by Smith as a key go-between who helped facilitate communication between the conspirators and Big Jook. Govan has pleaded not guilty to organizing the killing.
Young Dolph’s death marked a significant loss in the rap community. Known for his raw lyrical content and determination to remain independent, Young Dolph started his career by releasing a series of mixtapes, beginning with 2008’s Paper Route Campaign. His 2016 debut studio album, King of Memphis, solidified his presence in the rap world. He frequently collaborated with major artists, including Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, Gucci Mane, and T.I.
Over his career, Young Dolph released multiple albums, with three of them breaking into the top 10 of the Billboard 200. His 2020 album Rich Slave peaked at No. 4 and became a standout achievement, illustrating his growing influence in the industry.
Though his career was cut short, Young Dolph left an enduring legacy in the rap world, both through his music and his commitment to supporting independent artists. His death, however, underscored the ongoing tensions in the music industry, particularly within the Memphis rap scene.
As the legal battles surrounding his murder continue, Johnson’s conviction brings a measure of justice to Young Dolph’s family and fans. The sentencing of other suspects, including Smith and Govan, is expected to follow, with further developments in the case likely to keep it in the spotlight for some time.
