Memphis man testifies in Young Dolph shooting case

A man from Memphis testified on Monday about his involvement in the shooting of rapper Young Dolph. Cornelius Smith stated he and Justin Johnson were responsible for the killing, which was allegedly ordered by Big Jook, the brother of rapper Yo Gotti.

On 17 November 2021, surveillance footage showed two individuals exiting a white Mercedes outside a Memphis cookie store shortly after Young Dolph entered and then opening fire.

Smith was testifying on the first day of Johnson’s trial, who faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Smith himself is also charged with murder and conspiracy.

Opening remarks

Johnson’s lawyer, Luke Evans, argued that Smith’s testimony was unreliable, claiming Smith was attempting to protect himself. Evans maintained Johnson’s innocence, suggesting photos of Johnson wearing similar clothing to the individuals in the video did not prove his involvement.

Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman shared that Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was committed to succeeding independently as an artist and with his label, Paper Route Empire.

Hagerman explained that this ambition created enemies, noting that Yo Gotti’s label, Cocaine Muzic Group, had wanted Young Dolph to join them, but he refused.

Young Dolph had previously survived shootings, including one in September 2017 outside a Los Angeles hotel and another in February of the same year in Charlotte, North Carolina, where his SUV was hit over 100 times.

Anthony Mims, known as Big Jook, was reported to have been shot and killed outside a restaurant in January 2024. Smith testified that he was shot in the arm and leg by Young Dolph’s brother, Marcus Thornton, while fleeing the scene.

He mentioned receiving only $800 before his arrest, and his attorney received an additional $50,000 from Big Jook.

Smith revealed he felt nothing at the time of the shooting, motivated by the need for money after his son’s death and subsequent drug use. His guilt emerged after he sobered up in jail.

Accessories to the crime

Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty in June 2023 to being an accessory after the murder, helped Smith and Justin Johnson communicate by phone while they were evading authorities.

He also assisted in contacting one of their probation officers. Jermarcus Johnson has not yet been sentenced. Hernandez Govan has pleaded not guilty to organising the killing.

Young Dolph started his career with several mixtapes, beginning with 2008’s “Paper Route Campaign.” His discography includes his debut studio album, “King of Memphis,” released in 2016.

He collaborated with artists like Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, T.I., Gucci Mane, and 2 Chainz. Three of his albums reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200, with “Rich Slave” peaking at No. 4 in 2020.