Court coverage: Trial begins for man accused in Youth Dolph’s death
The trial for one of the men accused of fatally shooting Adolph Thornton Jr., better known as Memphis rapper Young Dolph, began Monday, Sept. 23.
September 23, 2024
Live Updates: Trial begins for man accused in Youth Dolph’s death
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.
2:09 p.m.: Smith identifies himself as the first person out of the car who fires an automatic weapon at Thornton.
Smith identifies Johnson as the second man out of the car, armed with a handgun.
Read MoreSeptember 22, 2024
From diss tracks to gunshots: What to know before Young Dolph trial begins
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.
A 100 shots (100 shots), a 100 shots (a 100 shots)
Me and my — pull up in a hunnid drops (skrrt)
My role model used to get a hunnid blocks (hey, hey)
Street — in a tuxedo, we the mob (yeah)
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.
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