Justin Johnson has been convicted of murder in the tragic death of rapper Young Dolph. The verdict was reached after a co-defendant testified that the killing was linked to a feud between rival record labels.
Johnson was found guilty of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and being a felon in possession of a gun. He has been sentenced to life in prison by Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Mitchell.
The co-defendant, Cornelius Smith, revealed that a $100,000 hit was placed on Young Dolph by Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, the brother of rapper Yo Gotti. Smith and Johnson, armed and on a mission, encountered Young Dolph at a Memphis cookie shop where they fatally shot him in broad daylight.
Prosecutors highlighted Young Dolph's independence as an artist and label owner, which may have led to animosity from rival record labels. Young Dolph's refusal to join Yo Gotti's label reportedly sparked tensions, resulting in diss tracks and ultimately the fatal shooting.
Despite Johnson's plea of not guilty, a substantial amount of circumstantial evidence, including surveillance footage and cell phone records, supported Smith's testimony. The evidence included calls between Smith and Johnson before and after the murder.
Defense attorney Luke Evans argued that the videos only showed someone in similar clothing to Johnson committing the crime. Evans also discredited Smith's credibility, claiming he would fabricate stories to protect himself.
Additional individuals involved in the case include Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty to aiding Smith and Justin Johnson after the murder, and Hernandez Govan, accused of orchestrating the killing.
Young Dolph, known for his mixtapes and studio albums, had a successful career in the music industry. His untimely death has left a void in the hip-hop community, with fans mourning the loss of a talented artist.
The trial's outcome serves as a reminder of the consequences of violence and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.
