MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis rapper Young Dolph was shot and killed at Makeda's Cookies while making a purchase on November 17, 2021. Nearly three years later, his alleged killers will head to trial on Monday.
"These cases are difficult for all parties — the family of the defendants, family of the deceased," said attorney Leslie Ballin. "So this is a homicide case, and emotions will run high."
Justin Johnson, 24, and Cornelius Smith Jr., 32, were indicted in January 2022 and face multiple charges, including first-degree murder, unlawful carrying and possession of a firearm, and theft of property. Police say the two men got out of a stolen Mercedes-Benz and fired shots into the store where Young Dolph was making a purchase.
The trial was initially expected to start on June 3, but the defense counsel asked for more time for expert review. An outside jury will hear the case due to the heavy media attention in Shelby County.
"The fact that the judge in this case partially granted a change of venue request to include the selection of the jury from Davidson County, that's very unusual," Ballin said. "In my 47 years of practice, I can count on one hand the number of times that type of release has been granted."
The trial for Hernandez Govan, who is accused of ordering the hit that killed Young Dolph, was also recently set for tomorrow. He faces charges including first-degree murder and intrigue. Ballin said that even with immense media attention, it is possible to find an impartial jury.
"Generally, no matter how much publicity a case's gotten, a jury can be found that has either not heard of the case or, despite what they have heard, could still judge the case on the proof that is presented in the courtroom."
Another suspect, Jermarcus Johnson, pled guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact in October 2023, and he faces six to 12 years in jail. If convicted, the suspects could face life in prison without parole, which, according to Ballin, is now 51 years in the state of Tennessee.