Justin Johnson Found Guilty in Rapper Young Dolph's Killing

Justin Johnson

Justin Johnson, the man charged in the killing of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon today. The jury's verdict came after just under four hours of deliberation.

Born Adolph Thornton Jr., Dolph was fatally shot at Makeda's Homemade Cookies on Airways Boulevard on Nov. 17, 2021. His death sent shockwaves through the Memphis community and beyond, with many mourning the loss of the 36-year-old rapper who was known for his philanthropy as much as his music.

Johnson, 24, received an immediate sentence of life in prison after the verdict was read in Shelby County Criminal Court.

During closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Irris Williams underscored the weight of evidence against Johnson, stating, "It's not 1981 anymore ... It's hard to keep a secret. It's hard to hide your actions. And it's even harder to hide who you know."

Jury In Young Dolph Murder Trial find JUSTIN JOHNSON aka “Straight Drop” GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS!!!

- Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder
- First-degree murder
- Convicted felon in possession of a firearm

He faces LIFE in prison WITHOUT the possibility of parole pic.twitter.com/1ObhTZXFiK

— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) September 26, 2024

The prosecution's case heavily relied on video and photo evidence, including footage that investigators claimed showed Johnson at key locations before and after the shooting. Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman called a former Memphis Police investigator to explain how investigators used surveillance footage to identify Johnson as a suspect.

The defense, however, maintained Johnson's innocence. "He didn't kill Adolph Thornton Jr. He didn't conspire to kill Adolph Thornton Jr.," defense attorney Luke Evans said during his closing argument. Evans argued that Johnson was not the man depicted holding a firearm in the surveillance video captured at the scene of the shooting.

Johnson's co-defendant, Cornelius Smith, also charged with first-degree murder, testified against him on the first day of trial, admitting to his role in the killing. Smith's testimony played a pivotal role in the prosecution's case, as did the testimony of Johnson's half-brother, Jermarcus Johnson, who had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact in October 2023. Jermarcus Johnson's cooperation with prosecutors further cemented Justin Johnson's connection to the murder.

The prosecutor literally refuted all of the defense’s points and FLAMED THEM in his closing arguments. Bar for bar. #YoungDolph #JustinJohnson #LLD pic.twitter.com/LqX9HLAs59

— Immortal Legend (@MarleyBrooker) September 26, 2024

While Johnson did not testify in his own defense, the trial highlighted a web of conspiracy, with another defendant, Hernandez Govan, alleged to have ordered the hit on Dolph. However, Govan did not take the stand, despite defense attorney Evans anticipating his testimony.

The case had faced delays since Johnson and Smith were initially set to go to trial on June 3, 2024. The trial was postponed after the defense requested more time to review evidence. A change of venue was also granted in February 2024 due to extensive local media coverage, with an outside jury being brought in to hear the case.

With Johnson's conviction, attention now shifts to the remaining defendants. Smith and Govan are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty last year, faces a sentence of six to 12 years in prison.