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Justin Johnson, one of four men who were charged with killing Young Dolph, was convicted of all charges and immediately sentenced to life in prison.
A jury reached a verdict on Thursday afternoon, September 26, following a three-day trial and closing arguments. Johnson did not testify during the proceedings. It took jurors less than four hours to determine that Johnson was guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and felon in possession of a firearm. Once the verdict was read to the court, Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Mitchell sentenced Johnson to life in prison. Dolph's partner Mia Jaye and his sister Carlissa Thorton shared statements after Johnson was convicted.
"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," Thornton said per ABC 24 in Memphis. "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."
Johnson, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was the only suspect to face trial this week. On the first day, his co-defendant Cornelius Smith took the witness stand and testified how he and Johnson executed Dolph when they fired multiple shots into Madeka's Cookies in Memphis on November 17, 2021. Smith was also charged with first-degree murder along with Hernandez Govan, who's accused of recruiting both men to carry out the hit. Govan planned the shooting after he allegedly heard about a $100,000 bounty from Yo Gotti's late brother Big Jook. Smith testified that he and Johnson FaceTimed Jook after the shooting. Although they were promised $100,000, Smith said he only received a total of $800.
A fourth suspect, Jermarcus Johnson, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact last October. He faces up to 12 years in prison. Johnson testified against his half-brother during the trial. Smith and Govan had their respective court dates reset after Johnson's verdict. Govan is due back in court on October 9 and Smith will return for a hearing on November 15.
Watch the jury read the guilty verdict against Justin Johnson below.