Memphis, Tennessee
AP
—
Justin Johnson was discovered responsible of homicide Thursday within the 2021 dying of rapper Young Dolph after a jury heard testimony from a co-defendant that the killing was a part of a feud between rival report labels.
Jurors deliberated for just below 4 hours earlier than discovering Johnson responsible of homicide, conspiracy to commit homicide and being a felon in possession of a gun.
Shelby County Legal Courtroom Decide Jennifer Mitchell sentenced Johnson to life in jail.
Cornelius Smith testified that rapper Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Massive Jook” Mims, had put out a $100,000 hit on Younger Dolph and had additionally put bounties on all of the artists at Younger Dolph’s report label, Paper Route Empire. Smith stated he and co-defendant Johnson set out on the morning of Nov. 17, 2021, “in search of any person” and “didn’t know who we have been going to catch.”
They knew that Younger Dolph and a few of his artists have been collaborating in a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, so that they have been heading in that route after they noticed Younger Dolph’s automobile. They adopted him to a Memphis cookie store and opened fire in broad daylight, Smith stated. Younger Dolph was hit 22 occasions and died on the scene.
Deputy District Lawyer Paul Hagerman, in opening statements, instructed jurors that Younger Dolph was decided to make it on his personal as an artist, and in addition along with his personal label.
“Making an attempt to make it by yourself can create enemies,” Hagerman stated.
He famous that Cocaine Muzik Group (now often called Collective Music Group), a rival report label based by Yo Gotti, wished Younger Dolph to work for them, however he turned them down. Younger Dolph later wrote diss tracks directed on the label, its artists, and its “quantity two particular person,” Massive Jook. Massive Jook was shot and killed exterior a restaurant earlier this 12 months.
Along with Smith’s testimony, prosecutors introduced a mountain of circumstantial proof, together with from surveillance cameras and Johnson’s personal cellular phone.
Johnson had pleaded not responsible, and protection legal professional Luke Evans stated in closing arguments that the movies solely show that somebody carrying comparable clothes to Johnson shot Younger Dolph. Evans instructed the jury Smith would say something to attempt to save himself.
“Cornelius Smith is mendacity from begin to end,” Evans stated.
Smith can also be charged with homicide and conspiracy to commit homicide and has pleaded not responsible.
Evans additionally famous that Smith’s fingerprints have been discovered within the getaway automobile however Johnson’s weren’t. And he stated there was “no proof that Justin Johnson obtained a penny,” whereas Smith testified he acquired $800 earlier than he was arrested and his protection legal professional later acquired one other $50,000.
Hagerman countered that the video and cellular phone proof corroborated Smith’s story. They included calls between Smith and Johnson shortly earlier than the killing and a name between Johnson and Massive Jook instantly after.
Additionally testifying was Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty in June 2023 to 3 counts of serving as an adjunct after the killing by serving to Smith and Justin Johnson, his half-brother. Jermarcus Johnson has acknowledged serving to the 2 talk by cellphone whereas they have been on the run from authorities. He has not been sentenced.
Hernandez Govan, whom Smith recognized as a go-between with Massive Jook, has pleaded not responsible to organizing the killing.
Younger Dolph started his profession by releasing quite a few mixtapes, beginning with 2008′s “Paper Route Marketing campaign.” His a number of studio albums embody his 2016 debut “King of Memphis.” He additionally collaborated on different mixtapes and albums with fellow rappers Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, T.I., Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and others.
Younger Dolph had three albums attain the highest 10 on the Billboard 200, with 2020′s “Wealthy Slave” peaking at No. 4.