Trial date set in killing of Memphis rapper Young Dolph

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Almost three years after Memphis rapper Young Dolph was shot and killed, those charged in connection to the deadly attack are set to finally go to trial.

On Monday, the man accused of orchestrating the attack, along with the man who already pled guilty to helping after the shooting, learned when they, along with two other defendants, will have the case heard before a judge and jury.

Judge Jennifer Mitchell set the trial date for September 23 of this year.

Hernandez Govan, the man accused of arranging the murder of rapper Young Dolph in 2021, stood before the judge on Monday.

Govan’s counsel Handel Durham Jr. told us that when the trial gets underway, his client will not face the judge alone.

“The judge wants to keep a pretty tight rein on everything, especially Mr. Govan and all the defendants that are involved,” said Durham Jr. “We are compliant with doing what she tells us to do, and looking forward to the trial date.”

Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith, the accused triggermen, along with Jermarcus Johnson, will be in court also.

Jermarcus Johnson was there Monday, alongside Govan.

Johnson already pled guilty last year to three counts of being an accessory after the fact. He will still return for trial in just under two months.

Judge Mitchell reminded both defense attorneys that September 23 is the date the case is set to go to trial. Defense attorney Durham said it’s at that moment when evidence many are unaware of will finally be revealed.

“We are looking forward to bringing this to an end because I think the public needs to really know what happened,” said Durham Jr.

Durham says the details will clear his client’s name.

“I am just confident,” he said.

Before Hernandez Govan goes to trial, he is set to return to court on Sept. 9 for a pre-trial conference.

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