MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — On Thursday, jurors began deliberations in the trial concerning the murder of rapper Young Dolph. Testimony revealed that his death was allegedly rooted in a rivalry between competing record labels.
Cornelius Smith, a key witness, testified that a $100,000 bounty for Young Dolph’s life had been placed by Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, the brother of rapper Yo Gotti. Smith testified that he and co-defendant Justin Johnson embarked on their quest on the morning of November 17, 2021, intending to find someone, although they were uncertain of their target.
Equipped with knowledge that Young Dolph and his artists were scheduled to participate in a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, the pair headed in that direction. Upon spotting Young Dolph’s vehicle, they followed him to a cookie shop in Memphis, where they opened fire in broad daylight. Young Dolph was struck 22 times and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
During the opening statements, Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman highlighted Young Dolph’s ambition to succeed as an independent artist and establish his own label. He emphasized that the pressure to carve out one’s own path in the music industry can foster adversaries.
Hagerman noted the rivalry involving Cocaine Muzik Group (now Collective Music Group), a label founded by Yo Gotti. Young Dolph had rejected an offer to join them, which led to tensions, further aggravated by his release of diss tracks targeting the label and its key figures, including Big Jook, who was shot dead earlier this year.
Both Smith and Johnson face grave charges: Johnson is accused of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and illegal gun possession, while Smith is charged with murder and conspiracy. To support their case, prosecutors presented extensive circumstantial evidence, including video footage and data from Johnson’s cell phone.
Johnson has maintained his innocence, with defense attorney Luke Evans arguing that the video evidence only shows someone clad similarly to Johnson firing at Young Dolph. Evans contended that Smith is untrustworthy and would fabricate lies to secure leniency for himself. He pointed out that while Smith’s fingerprints were found on the getaway vehicle, Johnson’s were absent, and insisted there is “no proof that Justin Johnson received a penny” from the crime.
In rebuttal, Hagerman argued that the video and phone records substantiated Smith’s testimony, including critical phone calls exchanged between Smith and Johnson right before the shooting and a call between Johnson and Big Jook shortly afterward.
Also taking the stand was Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty in June 2023 to being an accessory after the fact, assisting Smith and Justin Johnson during their flight from law enforcement. Jermarcus confirmed that he facilitated communication between the two while they evaded capture. He has yet to be sentenced.
Additionally, Hernandez Govan, identified by Smith as having acted as a contact for Big Jook, has entered a not guilty plea, facing accusations of orchestrating the murder.
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Loller contributed from Nashville, Tenn.
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