What we now know about Young Dolph’s death
Adolph Thornton Jr., also known as Young Dolph, was shot and killed in 2021 at Makeda’s Cookies on Airways Boulevard. His sister Carlisa Thornton urged the public to remember who he was and not focus on those involved in his death. (Courtesy MSCS)
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.
Johnson’s four-day trial, which included three days of witness testimony, came with shocking revelations about Thornton’s death. According to prosecutor Paul Hagerman and Cornelius Smith, the second shooter accused of killing Thornton, the brother of another prominent Memphis rapper, Yo Gotti, was behind the contract on Thornton’s life.
Topics
Justin Johnson Young Dolph Subscriber Only Hernandez Govan Jemarcus Johnson 2025 award winnersThank you for being a subscriber to The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization with a hybrid business model, we rely on a mix of revenue from subscriptions (50%), advertising, events and miscellaneous earned income (25%) and fundraising (25%).
Please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation or other contribution to The Daily Memphian today.
👉 Your subscription pays for you to read all our journalism.
👉 Your donation powers the work we do to reach everyone else with the news.
We believe an informed Memphis is a better Memphis. If you agree, join our growing list of donors now.
Aarron Fleming
Aarron Fleming covers public safety for The Daily Memphian, focusing on crime and the local court system. He earned his bachelor’s in journalism and strategic media from the University of Memphis.
Public Safety on demand
Sign up to receive Public Safety stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address
News Stream
Man accused of masterminding Young Dolph slaying is set for trial
The trial starts Monday for Hernandez Govan, who allegedly arranged the 2021 hit on rapper Adolph Thornton Jr.
Justin Johnson found guilty in Young Dolph murder
Justin Johnson has been found guilty on all counts for the murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph in 2021.
Comments
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.