Young Dolph, born Adolph Thornton Jr., was tragically shot in Memphis in November 2021, and after a lengthy wait, his murder trial has commenced. On September 23, Justin “Straight Drop” Johnson became the first defendant to take the stand. He faces serious charges, including first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and theft of property. Another suspect, Hernandez Govan, who is alleged to have orchestrated the murder, is also expected to testify, along with Cornelius Smith.
During the opening statements, Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman alleged that Big Jook, the late brother of rapper Yo Gotti and a key figure in the CMG label, placed a $100,000 bounty on Dolph’s life. Hagerman stated, “Big Jook… put out a hit: $100,000 to whoever kills Dolph,” suggesting that Johnson was driven by ambition to become CMG’s next major artist and intended to use the bounty money to advance his career.
The feud between Yo Gotti and Young Dolph has been well-documented, with both artists exchanging diss tracks over the years. Dolph’s family released a statement expressing their heartbreak over his loss and their hope for justice through the legal process. They requested privacy as they navigate this challenging time.
As the trial unfolds, it is expected to conclude within a few days. The prosecution aims to demonstrate the connections between the defendants and the motives behind Dolph’s murder, while the defense has raised questions about the reliability of witness testimonies.