Man sentenced to life in Young Dolph killing gets 35 more years in prison
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Tennessee man has been sentenced to life in prison for murder in a daytime ambush rapper Young Dolph was sentenced to another 35 years behind bars on Friday.
Justin Johnson was convicted of first-degree murder on September 26 and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole the same day by Shelby County Judge Jennifer Mitchell. On Friday, she convicted Johnson of his two other convictions from the trial: conspiracy to commit murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Young Dolph, whose real name is Adolph Thornton Jr. was fatally shot in a Memphis bakery in November 2021. Known for his charity works in the city where he grew up, the 36-year-old rapper and owner of an independent music label was in Memphis handing out Thanksgiving turkeys to families when his visit to his favorite cookie shop turned into an event that shocked the entertainment world.
Prosecutor Paul Hagerman noted during the hearing that Johnson, a 26-year-old aspiring rapper, had three aggravated assault convictions before the shooting and that he had “no hesitation” in committing the murder in a public place. Hagerman called it a “stone-cold execution,” motivated by money and fame.
In a statement read in court, the rapper’s sister said the family feels “anger, fear and sadness” over Young Dolph’s death, which “created a legacy that will last long after this tragedy.”
“In a world full of envy, jealousy and arrogance, many do not realize the impact of their actions until it is too late,” the statement said.
Johnson’s attorney, Luke Evans, said Johnson was manipulated by others into shooting Young Dolph. Evans has requested a new trial for Johnson, arguing that the evidence presented at trial was not sufficient for a conviction. Evans said Johnson would not be eligible for parole for another 50 years because of the murder conviction alone.
Co-suspect during the trial Cornelius Smith testified that rapper Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, had released a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph, as well as bounties for all artists on Young Dolph’s record label, Paper Route Empire. said Smith he and Johnson were “looking for someone” and “didn’t know who we were going to catch.”
They knew Young Dolph and some of his performers were participating in the turkey giveaway, so they headed that way when they saw Young Dolph’s car. They followed him to the cookie shop and opened fire in broad daylightsaid Smith. Young Dolph was hit 22 times and died on the spot.
Hagerman said jury members that Cocaine Muzik Group (now known as Collective Music Group), a rival record label founded by Yo Gotti, wanted Young Dolph to work for them, but he turned them down. Young Dolph later wrote diss tracks aimed at the label, the artists and the ‘number two person’, Big Jook. Big Jook was shot dead outside a restaurant earlier this year.
In addition to Smith’s testimony, prosecutors presented a mountain of circumstantial evidence, including from surveillance cameras and Johnson’s own cell phone.
Smith is also charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder and has pleaded not guilty. No trial date has been set for him yet.
Evans, the defense attorney, said in the trial’s closing arguments that Smith lied and would say anything to save himself. Evans also noted that Smith’s fingerprints were found in the getaway car, but Johnson’s were not. And he said there was “no evidence that Justin Johnson got a cent,” while Smith testified that he received $800 before he was arrested and that his attorney later received another $50,000.
Hagerman countered that video and cellphone evidence corroborated Smith’s story. These included phone calls between Smith and Johnson shortly before the murder and a phone call between Johnson and Big Jook immediately afterward.
Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty in June 2023 on three occasions that he served as an accomplice after the murder, and acknowledged helping his half-brother and Smith communicate via cell phone while they were on the run from authorities. He has not been convicted.
Hernandez Govan, who Smith identified as an intermediary with Big Jook, has pleaded not guilty to organizing the murder. A trial date for Govan has been set for March 10.
The young Dolph started his career by releasing numerous mixtapes. His studio albums include his 2016 debut, ‘King of Memphis’. He also collaborated on other mixtapes and albums with fellow rappers Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, TI, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and others.
Young Dolph had three albums reach the top 10 of the Billboard 200, with 2020’s ‘Rich Slave’ peaking at No. 4.