On Thursday, jurors commenced deliberations in the trial concerning the tragic death of rapper Young Dolph. Testimony provided by Cornelius Smith, a Memphis resident, revealed that the incident was rooted in a rivalry between opposing record labels. Smith alleged that Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, the brother of rapper Yo Gotti, had orchestrated a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph and had also placed bounties on all artists associated with Young Dolph’s record label, Paper Route Empire. Smith, along with co-defendant Justin Johnson, set out on the morning of Nov. 17, 2021, unknowingly seeking a target before encountering Young Dolph and his team at a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway. They pursued Young Dolph, leading to a fatal shooting at a Memphis cookie shop where Young Dolph was struck 22 times and perished at the scene.

During the trial, Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman emphasized Young Dolph’s desire to establish himself as an independent artist and founder of his record label, acknowledging that such independence could attract adversaries. Hagerman highlighted the tensions between Young Dolph and Cocaine Muzik Group (now known as Collective Music Group), a rival label linked to Yo Gotti. Young Dolph’s refusal to collaborate with the label prompted him to release diss tracks that targeted the label, its artists, and specifically, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, who was later fatally shot outside a restaurant.

Justin Johnson is facing charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and unlawful possession of a firearm, while Smith is also accused of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Aside from Smith’s testimony, prosecutors presented substantial circumstantial evidence, including footage from surveillance cameras and data extracted from Johnson’s mobile phone. Johnson pleaded not guilty, and his defense attorney, Luke Evans, argued that the video evidence merely indicated a person dressed similarly to Johnson was involved in the shooting. Evans cast doubts on Smith’s credibility, emphasizing that Smith had financial motives and suggesting that the evidence did not implicate Johnson unequivocally.

Hagerman contended that the video and phone records aligned with Smith’s narrative, showcasing communications between Smith and Johnson leading up to the crime, as well as conversations between Johnson and Big Jook immediately after the incident. Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty to providing assistance to Smith and Justin Johnson following the shooting, testified about aiding their communication while evading authorities. Hernandez Govan, identified by Smith as a mediator with Big Jook, pleaded not guilty to orchestrating the killing.

In closing statements, the defense argued against the credibility of Smith’s account and pointed out discrepancies in the evidence presented, while the prosecution maintained that the collective evidence substantiated the prosecution’s case. The trial continues with jurors navigating through the complex web of testimony and evidence to determine the fates of the accused individuals.