One of the men accused of killing Young Dolph will spend life in prison for the 2021 fatal shooting of the rapper.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, Justin Johnson was found guilty of first degree murder, conspiracy to commit first degree murder, and convicted felon in possession of a firearm in relation to the November 2021 shooting death of the Memphis artist, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office said. The judge sentenced Johnson to life in prison, the district attorney’s office added.
Young Dolph, born Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., was shot and killed outside a local business called Makeda’s Butter Cookies on Airways Blvd. He was 36.
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Johnson was found guilty on all three counts after nearly four hours of deliberation, the district attorney’s office said.
During the four-day trial, co-defendant Cornelius Smith confessed to participating in the shooting with Johnson with the expectation of receiving $40,000 each for shooting the “Preach” rapper.
According to Smith’s testimony, Hernandez Govan, who was also charged in the case, was behind the “hit.”
However, Smith claimed he was following instructions given to him by Anthony Mims, also known as Big Jook. Mims, who is the brother of Memphis rapper Yo Gotti, and Johnson were allegedly supposed to give Govan $10,000 each for organizing the fatal shooting of Young Dolph. (Mims was shot and killed in Memphis in January. The Memphis Police Department has not announced any arrest in his death, per 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.”
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“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, Johnson’s half-brother who was another suspect in Dolph’s death, pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact, reports Local Memphis. He faces six to 12 years in jail.
Govan pleaded not guilty to planning Dolph’s killing, reports the Associated Press. Govan was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder charges, per the Commercial Appeal. Smith also faces murder and conspiracy to commit murder, per the Associated Press. Govan’s next court date was set for Oct. 9, and Smith is scheduled to be in court on Nov. 15, per Local Memphis.
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