MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Tennessee man involved in aiding the two gunmen responsible for the murder of rapper Young Dolph at a bakery in Memphis has been sentenced to six years of probation instead of prison time, as ruled by a judge on Friday.
Jermarcus Johnson, 27, admitted guilt in June 2023 to three charges of being an accessory after the fact. Johnson played a role in facilitating communication between his half-brother, Justin Johnson, and Cornelius Smith Jr. while they evaded capture following the shooting incident.
Justin Johnson was found guilty on September 26 of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of a firearm as a felon. As a result, he received a life sentence plus an additional 35 years. Meanwhile, Smith has been charged with first-degree murder and testified against Justin Johnson, admitting that they shot Young Dolph.
Judge Jennifer Mitchell from Shelby County sentenced Jermarcus Johnson to a diversion program lasting six years that will include job training, random drug tests, restrictions on firearm possession, and 20 hours of community service each year. If he completes the program successfully, his record may be expunged.
After the sentencing, prosecutor Paul Hagerman emphasized Johnson’s lack of involvement in the actual shooting death of Young Dolph, stating, “He was used by his brother. He is not a criminal.”
Young Dolph, born Adolph Thornton Jr., tragically lost his life in November 2021 at a bakery near his childhood home. A well-known philanthropist in Memphis, the 36-year-old rapper was in town to distribute Thanksgiving turkeys when his trip to his beloved cookie shop turned deadly, leaving the entertainment community in shock.
During the trial, Smith claimed that a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph was placed by Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, a brother of rapper Yo Gotti, which also included bounties on all artists associated with Young Dolph’s label, Paper Route Empire. Smith remarked that he and Justin Johnson were “looking for somebody” without knowing whom they would encounter.
Aware that Young Dolph and some of his artists were involved in the turkey giveaway, they proceeded in that direction and followed Young Dolph’s vehicle to the cookie shop, where they opened fire in broad daylight. Smith stated that Young Dolph was shot 22 times and succumbed to his injuries at the location.
Prosecutor Hagerman informed the jury that the rival record label, initially called Cocaine Muzik Group—now known as Collective Music Group—wanted Young Dolph to join them, but he declined their offer. He later released diss tracks aimed at the label and its artists, particularly targeting Big Jook, who was killed outside a restaurant earlier this year.
During his guilty plea, Jermarcus Johnson admitted to possessing a cellphone and car belonging to Justin Johnson and recognized a photo showing Justin wearing clothing matching that of one of the assailants.
Jermarcus also testified during his half-brother’s trial. His attorney, Josh Corman, noted that Jermarcus found himself in a precarious situation and expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We all think it’s a fair resolution.”
Another individual, Hernandez Govan, identified by Smith as a liaison with Big Jook, has pleaded not guilty to orchestrating the murder. Govan’s trial is scheduled for March 10.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Makeda’s Homemade Cookies became a spontaneous memorial for Young Dolph, drawing fans who left messages of sympathy on the plywood that covered the shattered windows. The bakery temporarily closed but has since reopened.
Young Dolph has also been honored by the Memphis Grizzlies in an NBA game, and various murals commemorating the rapper have been painted throughout the city, with a street named in his honor.
Rising to fame through a series of mixtapes, Young Dolph released his debut studio album, “King of Memphis,” in 2016. He collaborated with several prominent artists, including Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, T.I., Gucci Mane, and 2 Chainz.
Throughout his career, three of Young Dolph’s albums reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200, with “Rich Slave,” released in 2020, peaking at No. 4.