MEMPHIS, Tenn. — An additional 35-year prison term was handed down on Friday to a Tennessee man who had already been sentenced to life in prison for the daytime ambush murder of rapper Young Dolph. Justin Johnson was found guilty of first-degree murder on September 26 and was sentenced to life by Shelby County Judge Jennifer Mitchell. In court on Friday, she assigned Johnson extra time for two other convictions related to the case: conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a firearm as a felon.
Young Dolph, born Adolph Thornton Jr., was tragically shot dead in November 2021 while visiting a bakery in Memphis. The 36-year-old independent music label owner and philanthropic figure was in the city to distribute Thanksgiving turkeys to families, and his stop at a favorite cookie shop resulted in a shocking event that reverberated throughout the entertainment industry.
During the hearing, prosecutor Paul Hagerman highlighted that Johnson, aged 26 and an aspiring rapper, had previously faced three aggravated assault charges before the ambush. He characterized Johnson’s actions as a “stone-cold execution” driven by aspirations of wealth and fame, emphasizing that Johnson displayed “no hesitation” in executing the murder-for-hire scheme in a public area.
In a poignant statement read in court, Young Dolph’s sister expressed the family’s profound feelings of “anger, anxiety, and grief” regarding her brother’s death, noting that he had forged a legacy that would persist beyond the tragic circumstances of his passing. She remarked on the broader societal issues, saying, “In a world full of envy, jealousy and arrogance, many fail to realize the impact of their actions until it’s too late.”
On behalf of Johnson, defense attorney Luke Evans asserted that his client had been manipulated into carrying out the shooting. He subsequently appealed for a new trial, claiming the evidence presented was insufficient for a conviction. Evans further stated that Johnson would be ineligible for parole for an additional 50 years due to the life sentence stemming from the murder conviction alone.
During the trial, co-defendant Cornelius Smith testified that a $100,000 contract had been placed on Young Dolph’s life by Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, brother of rapper Yo Gotti, which extended to artists associated with Young Dolph’s record label, Paper Route Empire. Smith explained that he and Johnson were aimlessly searching for someone to target and were unaware of who they might encounter.
Knowing Young Dolph and his crew were involved in the turkey giveaway, they proceeded in that direction until they spotted Young Dolph’s vehicle. They followed him to a cookie shop, where they opened fire in broad daylight, resulting in Young Dolph receiving 22 gunshot wounds and dying on the scene.
Hagerman informed jurors that the rival record label, Cocaine Muzik Group (now known as Collective Music Group), had sought to recruit Young Dolph, but he declined their offer. This rejection spurred Young Dolph to produce diss tracks aimed at the label, its artists, and Big Jook, who was killed earlier this year outside a restaurant.
Prosecutors bolstered their case with a substantial amount of circumstantial evidence, including surveillance footage and records from Johnson’s cellphone. Smith faces similar charges of murder and conspiracy but has submitted a not guilty plea. A trial date for him has yet to be established.
Evans contended during the closing arguments that Smith was not truthful and was attempting to evade accountability. He pointed out the presence of Smith’s fingerprints on the getaway vehicle while asserting the absence of any fingerprints belonging to Johnson. Additionally, he claimed there was no evidence that Johnson received any monetary compensation for his involvement, despite Smith stating he received $800 prior to arrest and his attorney was later paid another $50,000.
Hagerman countered with video footage and phone records that supported Smith’s testimony, including calls exchanged between Smith and Johnson shortly before the incident, as well as Johnson’s conversation with Big Jook immediately following the assault.
Jermarcus Johnson, who admitted guilt to three counts of accessory after the fact in June 2023, acknowledged facilitating communication among his half-brother and Smith while they evaded law enforcement. His sentencing has not yet taken place. Hernandez Govan, identified by Smith as a crucial link to Big Jook, has pleaded not guilty to orchestrating the murder, with a trial slated for March 10.
Young Dolph’s musical journey began with a series of mixtapes, and he released his debut studio album, “King of Memphis,” in 2016. His collaborative works feature renowned artists such as Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, T.I., and Gucci Mane. Notably, three of Young Dolph’s albums have made it to the top 10 on the Billboard 200, with his 2020 release “Rich Slave” achieving a peak position of No. 4.