Justin Johnson, a defendant in the murder trial of rapper Young Dolph, was found guilty on Thursday. The jury reached their verdict after hearing testimony from co-defendant Cornelius Smith, who claimed that the killing was part of a feud between rival record labels.
The jury deliberated for just under four hours before convicting Johnson of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and being a felon in possession of a gun. Judge Jennifer Mitchell sentenced him to life in prison.
According to Smith’s testimony, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, brother of rapper Yo Gotti, had allegedly offered $100,000 for the hit on Young Dolph. Smith also claimed that bounties were placed on all artists signed to Young Dolph’s record label, Paper Route Empire. On November 17th, 2021, Smith and Johnson set out “looking for somebody” without knowing who their target would be. They spotted Young Dolph’s car while he was participating in a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway and followed him to a cookie shop in Memphis where they opened fire in broad daylight. Young Dolph was struck 22 times and died at the scene.
During opening statements by Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman, it was revealed that Young Dolph had been determined to succeed as an independent artist with his own label. Hagerman suggested that this pursuit may have led to enemies within the industry.
Prosecutors presented substantial circumstantial evidence alongside Smith’s testimony. This included surveillance footage and records from Johnson’s cell
