Man sentenced to life in prison for Young Dolph's murder gets an additional 35 years in prison

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A Tennessee man sentenced to life in prison for the daytime ambush killing of rapper Young Dolph received an additional 35 years in prison Friday.

Justin Johnson was convicted of first-degree murder on September 26 and sentenced the same day to life in prison with the possibility of parole by Shelby County Judge Jennifer Mitchell. On Friday, she sentenced Johnson for his two other convictions from the trial: conspiracy to commit murder and felon in possession of a weapon.

Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was fatally shot at a Memphis bakery in November 2021. The 36-year-old rapper and independent music label owner, known for his charity work in the city where he grew up, was in Memphis to distribute Thanksgiving turkey to families when his visit to his favorite cookie shop turned into a shocking one The event became the entertainment world.

Prosecutor Paul Hagerman noted during the trial that Johnson, a 26-year-old aspiring rapper, had been convicted of aggravated assault three times before the shooting and had “no compunction” about committing the contract killing in a public place. Hagerman called it a “cold execution,” motivated by money and fame.

In a statement read in court, the rapper's sister said the family feels “anger, fear and sadness” over the death of Young Dolph, who “created a legacy that will endure long after this tragedy.”

“In a world full of envy, jealousy and arrogance, many do not realize the impact of their actions until it is too late,” the statement said.

Johnson's attorney, Luke Evans, said Johnson was manipulated by others into shooting Young Dolph. Evans has requested a new trial for Johnson, arguing that the evidence presented during the trial was insufficient for a conviction. Evans said that based on the murder conviction alone, Johnson would not be eligible for parole for another 50 years.

During the trial, co-defendant Cornelius Smith testified that rapper Yo Gotti's brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, had placed a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph as well as bounties on all artists on Young Dolph's record label, Paper Route Empire. Smith said he and Johnson were “looking for someone” and “didn't know who we were going to catch.”

They knew that Young Dolph and some of his artists were participating in the turkey raffle, so when they saw Young Dolph's car, they headed in that direction. They followed him to the cookie shop and opened fire in broad daylight, Smith said. Young Dolph was hit 22 times and died at the scene.

Hagerman told the trial jury that Cocaine Muzik Group (now known as Collective Music Group), a rival record label founded by Yo Gotti, wanted Young Dolph to work for them, but he turned them down. Young Dolph later wrote diss tracks aimed at the label, its artists and his “number two” Big Jook. Big Jook was shot dead outside a restaurant earlier this year.

In addition to Smith's testimony, prosecutors presented a mountain of circumstantial evidence, including from surveillance cameras and Johnson's own cellphone.

Smith is also charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder and has pleaded not guilty. A trial date for him has not been set.

Evans, the defense attorney, said in closing arguments at the trial that Smith lied and would say anything to try to save himself. Evans also noted that Smith's fingerprints were found in the getaway car, but Johnson's were not. And he said there was “no evidence that Justin Johnson received a penny,” while Smith testified he received $800 before his arrest and his defense attorney later received another $50,000.

Hagerman countered that video and cell phone evidence corroborated Smith's story. These included calls between Smith and Johnson shortly before the murder and a call between Johnson and Big Jook immediately afterward.

Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty in June 2023 to three counts of accessory after the fact to murder, admitted helping his half-brother and Smith communicate via cell phone while they were on the run from authorities. He was not convicted.

Hernandez Govan, whom Smith identified as Big Jook's go-between, pleaded not guilty to organizing the murder. A trial date for Govan is set for March 10.

The young Dolph began his career by releasing numerous mixtapes. His studio albums include his 2016 debut “King of Memphis.” He also collaborated on other mixtapes and albums with fellow rappers Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, TI, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and others.

Three Young Dolph albums reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200, with 2020's “Rich Slave” reaching No. 4.