Justin Johnson found guilty in Young Dolph murder

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A jury found Justin Johnson, also known as Straight Drop, guilty Thursday on all three counts in the murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph: first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and convicted felon in possession of a handgun.

The judge sentenced him to life in prison on the murder count, and there will be a sentencing hearing Nov. 1 on the other counts. The jury deliberated for about four hours and returned the verdict just after 4 p.m.

Johnson’s attorney said afterward that his client was “devastated” by the verdict, and said he would pursue “any and all avenues for appeal.”

Young Dolph’s family sent a message through their publicist: “Today marks a bittersweet moment for those whose lives were forever changed on November 17, 2021. We lost a person who was a son, father, brother, friend, life partner, musical artist, philanthropist, mentor, and more. This loss has been not only felt by our family and friends, but millions of fans and members of the community. …

“While Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. can never be brought back, we are provided some comfort in the process of healing knowing that all of those involved in and responsible for this tragedy will be brought to justice. We are thankful for the continued outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the community. We are also thankful of the work provided by investigators and prosecutors in this case, as well as pending cases against other perpetrators. We look forward to continuing the work to keep Adolph’s legacy alive through his philanthropic and business efforts in the Memphis communities and beyond.”

On November 17, 2021, 36-year-old Adolph Thorton Jr. , better known as Young Dolph, was gunned down at Makeda’s Cookies on Airways Boulevard near Ketchum in Memphis.

After Thursday’s verdict, Dolph’s fiancee Mia Jaye released a statement on social media:

“Today’s verdict brings relief and restores my confidence in the justice system,” she wrote, thanking law enforcement, prosecutors and the public. “The past three years, marked by the loss of Adolph and the events leading up to the trial, have been incredibly frustrating. My faith has been tested, but Adolph’s tragic execution has only strengthened my resolve to fight for justice — not only for him but for all Black men.”

The case is not yet over, however.

Cornelius Smith, who testified that he and Johnson together shot Young Dolph, will have his case reset to November, prosecutor Paul Hagerman said. It’s unclear how the case will affect third defendant Hernandez Govan.

“We will continue to make sure that all of those who are responsible for Young Dolph’s death get the punishment they deserve,” Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said outside court.

Prosecutors argued that, based on witness testimonies, a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph was put out by Anthony Mims, also known as “Big Jook.” Big Jook is the second high-up at CMG Records, which is a rival of Young Dolph. He is also the big brother of another Memphis rapper Yo Gotti.

They claimed Johnson followed Young Dolph’s car to the cookie shop parking lot, got out, shot, and killed him.

A digital forensic expert took to the stand by testifying cell phone towers show where Johnson made contact around key locations before and after the shooting.

An MPD investigator testified that Johnson’s call history shows him calling Big Jook minutes after the fatal shooting.

► Young Dolph trial: Day 1
► Young Dolph trial: Day 2
► Young Dolph trial: Day 3

On Wednesday, Johnson’s attorney asked for him to be acquitted, but the judge denied that request and said it was up to the jury.

Johnson briefly took the stand and said he had chosen not to testify on his behalf.

Young Dolph grew up in the Castalia Heights neighborhood, blocks from where he died. He was the owner of record label Paper Route Empire. In 2016, he released his debut album, “King of Memphis.”

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