MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Justin Johnson, the man charged in the death of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, has been found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and felon in possession of a firearm.
Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Mitchell immediately sentenced Johnson to life in prison after the verdict was read.
Beginning just after noon Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, the jury took just under four hours to deliberate Johnson's fate after the three days of testimony and then closing arguments on the fourth day. Johnson did not take the stand in his own defense.
After the verdict, Dolph's sister, Carlissa Thornton, read a statement to the media.
"On Nov. 17, 2021, our lives changed forever. A son, a father, a brother, a friend, a businessman, a music artist, a philanthropist, and life partner are among just some of the titles that my brother Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. held. Titles that have now left a missing piece in the lives of so many. 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, supporters, and the community that has supported us during this time."
She went on to thank the D.A.'s office, Memphis Police, and investigators for their work.
"We realize this act of violence has impacted so many outside of our family and friends. Your outpouring of love and support throughout this process does not go unnoticed. We ask that instead of focusing on those who committed this crime, you focus on that man that Adolph Robert Thornton was. Regardless of the name that you may know him as, such as Adolph, Dolph, or Young Dolph, we ask you to remember the man that enjoyed being a father and spending time with his family. We ask that you remember the man who enjoyed giving opportunities to those who were often overlooked and counted out. We ask that you remember the man who enjoyed giving back to others and being an inspiration to those who come from less than ideal backgrounds, and knowing that they are seen and can change their outcomes and the lives of others by doing something positive. We will continue to heal and keep Adolph's legacy alive."
Carlissa Thornton also asked the public to respect their privacy as the cases continue against the other men charged.
Mia Jaye, Young Dolph's partner, posted this statement after the verdict.
"I think we painted a real clear picture of before, during, and after the murder," said Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman after the verdict. "The investigation did a fabulous job of highlighting all three of those times and answering a lot of questions that (in) a lot of murder cases you never get answered."
Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy released the following statement after the verdict: “Every murder’s a tragedy, and we take them all seriously. This one generated extra public interest because Young Dolph was a prominent and beloved member of the community. We will continue to fight hard to make sure that all of those responsible for his death are brought to justice.”
Mulroy also said after the verdict that the work would continue in regards to the other two men charged - Cornelius Smith and Hernandez Govan.
“It’s not 1981 anymore…” said Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Irris Williams during the closing arguments before deliberations. “It’s hard to keep a secret. It’s hard to hide who you’re talking to. It’s harder to hide your actions. And it’s even harder to hide who you know.”
Justin Johnson was charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, first-degree murder and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm in the death of the Memphis rapper, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr.
“He didn’t kill Adolph Thornton Jr. He didn’t conspire to kill Adolph Thornton Jr,” said defense attorney Luke Evans during closing. “And he wasn’t the man holding the pistol in the Makeda video.”
Johnson was the only one on trial during the week and pleaded not guilty. Cornelius Smith, also charged with first-degree murder for killing Dolph, testified against Johnson and admitted to killing Dolph on the first day of the trial.
Key evidence against Johnson came when Hagerman had a former Memphis Police investigator explain how his team determined Johnson to be a suspect by using video and photo evidence. The evidence depicted a man whom investigators believed to be Johnson at key locations before and after the murder, presumably preparing before the crime and then cleaning up afterward.
The prosecution rested its case on the third day of trial. On the same day, the defense asked for an acquittal, claiming prosecutors failed to make their case. The motion to acquit following a prosecution case is a common tactic during criminal trials. In this case, defense attorney Luke Evans presented a motion to acquit on all indicted charges, claiming the state failed to present sufficient evidence, especially on the conspiracy charge, in relation to Justin Johnson. The judge denied the motion.
Johnson's attorney, Luke Evans, said he had anticipated Hernandez Govan, who prosecutors said ordered the hit on Young Dolph, would testify as well. However, Govan never took the stand.
Court dates originally scheduled for Smith and Govan for Sept. 30 were reset after the verdict. Smith will appear Nov. 15, and Govan is due back for a hearing Oct. 9.
Johnson and Smith were originally set to head to trial June 3, 2024, but in May, the D.A.’s office said the defense counsel asked for more time for everyone’s experts to review information, and prosecutors agreed. The trial was reset previously from March 11 to June 3, 2024. Judge Jennifer J. Mitchell took over the case after the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals ordered Judge Lee Coffee to recuse himself from the Young Dolph case.
This all comes after a Shelby County Judge has granted a motion for a change of venue for the trial in February. That meant an outside jury is being brought in to Shelby County to hear the case, which received heavy media attention here.
Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was fatally shot at Makeda's Cookies on Airways Boulevard on Nov. 17, 2021. Police said at the time two men got out of a stolen Mercedes-Benz and fired shots into Makeda’s Homemade Cookies, where Young Dolph was making a purchase. Police released photos taken from surveillance video that captured the shooting, which they said led to the arrests.
Another suspect, Jermarcus Johnson, pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact in October 2023, and he faces six to 12 years in jail. He is Justin Johnson's half brother and testified against Justin.