After three years of questions, speculation and internet sleuthing into the death of Young Dolph, evidence offered in court suggests the Memphis rapper was the victim of a contract killing connected to a rival record label. 

Adolph Thornton Jr., also known as Young Dolph, was shot and killed in 2021 at Makeda’s Cookies on Airways Boulevard.

Justin Johnson, one of two men accused in Thornton’s slaying, was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun Thursday, Sept. 26.

He was sentenced to life in prison. Johnson’s lawyer, Luke Evans, plans to appeal. 

The trial for one of the men accused of fatally shooting Adolph Thornton Jr., better known as Memphis rapper Young Dolph, in 2021 began Monday. Justin Johnson, who was originally set to go to trial with two other codefendants, emerged as the sole defendant Monday morning. Johnson’s multiple charges include first-degree murder.

Check back here throughout the day for updates from the courtroom. And catch up on all of The Daily Memphian’s trial coverage here.

4:35 p.m.: Luke Evans, Justin Johnson’s attorney, told reporters it was shocking the prosecution didn’t call Hernandez Govan, who’s also charged in the killing, to testify during the trial.

Evans said he plans to appeal Johnson’s conviction.

The trial for one of the men accused of fatally shooting Adolph Thornton Jr., better known as Memphis rapper Young Dolph, in 2021 began Monday. Justin Johnson, who was originally set to go to trial with two other codefendants, emerged as the sole defendant Monday morning. Johnson’s multiple charges include first-degree murder.

Check back here throughout the day for updates from the courtroom. And catch up on all of The Daily Memphian’s trial coverage here.

4:10 p.m.: Court adjourned until Thursday around 4:10 p.m. The jury is expected to begin deliberations tomorrow morning.

4:08 p.m.: After the prosecution rests its case, defense attorney Luke Evans calls his client Justin Johnson to the stand.

The trial for one of the men accused of fatally shooting Adolph Thornton Jr., better known as Memphis rapper Young Dolph, in 2021 began Monday. Justin Johnson, who was originally set to go to trial with two other codefendants, emerged as the sole defendant Monday morning. Johnson’s multiple charges include first-degree murder.

Check back here throughout the trial for updates. And catch up on Monday’s coverage here.

4:09 p.m.: Luke Evans, Justin Johnson’s attorney, cross-examines his client’s half-brother Jermarcus Johnson.

Evans asks just one question: if Jermarcus Johnson had ever run social media for Justin Johnson before. He says yes.

The trial for one of the men accused of fatally shooting Adolph Thornton Jr., better known as Memphis rapper Young Dolph, in 2021 began Monday. Justin Johnson, who was originally set to go to trial with two other codefendants, emerged as the sole defendant Monday morning. Johnson’s multiple charges include first-degree murder.

Check back here throughout the trial for updates.

5:08 p.m.: Juliette Scantlebury, assistant medical examiner at the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center, testifies that she performed Adolph Thornton Jr.’s autopsy.

Scantlebury describes photos of Thornton’s body, which reveal gunshot wounds to his face, back and arms. He was shot eight times in the torso and at least twice in the arms, Scantlebury says, as the photos are displayed on a projector in the courtroom.

Editor’s note: Hernandez Govan was expected to be part of the trial that started Monday, Sept. 23. He was not present in the courtroom, and the court had not provided an explanation before its Monday lunch recess. For the latest in the trial, follow The Daily Memphian’s live updates.

In 2017, Adolph Thornton Jr. survived a barrage of 100 bullets fired at his car during a visit to Charlotte, North Carolina. In the end, it was 22 gunshot wounds that ended his life. Now two of the men charged in connection to Young Dolph’s death are set to place their lives in the hands of 12 jurors who will decide their fate.

Hernandez Govan is accused of soliciting the hit that cut short the life of the rising rap star on Nov. 17, 2021. Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith are accused of executing that hit.