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One of the men responsible for the 2021 murder of rapper Young Dolph has been sentenced to life in prison.
Justin Johnson was found guilty on Thursday, September 26, of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and
firearm possession by a convicted felon. The verdict came after nearly four hours of jury deliberation, concluding the trial of the tragic death of Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., known as Young Dolph.
He was killed at the age of 36 outside Makeda’s Butter Cookies, a local Memphis business, on November 17, 2021.
During the trial, co-defendant Cornelius Smith testified that he and Johnson were offered $40,000 each to carry out the killing, revealing that Hernandez Govan had orchestrated the hit.
Smith further claimed that Anthony Mims, also known as Big Jook, the brother of rapper Yo Gotti, was behind the payment.
Mims, however, was shot and killed in Memphis earlier this year, and no arrests have been made in connection to his death.
Johnson’s sentencing marks a significant moment in the ongoing search for justice for Young Dolph’s family and community.
In response to the verdict, Young Dolph’s sister, Carlissa Thornton, expressed the family’s pain and gratitude.
“On November 17, 2021, our lives changed forever… I want to thank the jury for their service and decision in this case to bring us one step closer to justice for our family, friends, and supporters,” she stated.
She urged the public to focus on remembering Young Dolph as a family man and philanthropist, saying,
“We ask that you remember the man who enjoyed giving opportunities to those who were often overlooked and counted out.”
