Murder trial of Memphis rapper Young Dolph underway | News

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – One of many males accused of murdering Memphis rapper Younger Dolph, whose actual title was Adolph Thornton Jr., started trial on Monday, September 23. 

FOX13 reporter Jeremy Pierre has been within the courtroom throughout the entirety of the trial. Proceed to examine this story for dwell updates on the trial.

WATCH THE TRIAL LIVE FROM THE COURTROOM

9:54 a.m., September 24 – First witness

Terence Dabney was the primary witness of day two. Prosecutor Paul Hagerman was the primary to query Dabney, who retired from the Memphis Police Division after 26 years. Dabney was assigned to the murder unit in 2021. Dabney testified that he was a case officer on the Younger Dolph homicide case. 

Dabney mentioned he would have arrived on the scene of Younger Dolph’s homicide round 1 p.m. Dabney was chargeable for gathering data on the scene and serving to course of the scene. Dabney testified that there was a big crowd on the scene outdoors of Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Butter Cookies. The retired officer mentioned that this scene was not like some other he labored throughout his years with the Memphis Police Division. Dabney mentioned that MPD collected video from Makeda’s. That video confirmed the surface and the within of the shop. 

Dabney mentioned that he spoke to witnesses on the scene and took folks to the police station for interviews. He spoke to Younger Dolph’s brother who was inside the shop on the time of the capturing. Dabney mentioned he additionally spoke to staff of Makeda’s. 

Dabney then checked out 10 photos exhibiting the scene of Makeda’s after the capturing and Younger Dolph’s automobile. Dabney mentioned that Younger Dolph was nonetheless there when he arrived on the scene. The method of attempting to revive Younger Dolph had ended by the point Dabney arrived, he mentioned. 

Hagerman went over a collection of images with Dabney. Dabney mentioned that 40-caliber shell casings, attribute of a handgun and shell casings of a 7.62, attribute of an assault rifle, had been each discovered on the scene. Dabney mentioned he watched video of the capturing at Makeda’s and, in his opinion, two shooters utilizing a handgun and an assault rifle shot into the shop on the day Younger Dolph was killed. 9mm casings had been additionally discovered within the retailer. Hagerman mentioned that these shell casings got here from Younger Dolph’s brother who returned hearth on the shooters. 

A photograph of a deceased Younger Dolph was proven to the jurors. Dabney recognized Younger Dolph. The photograph was not proven publicly within the courtroom, as the opposite images had been, attributable to its graphic nature. 

Dabney mentioned that Memphis Police obtained video from the scene and watched it that day. A screenshot from that video confirmed Younger Dolph’s Corvette parked at Makeda’s, a white Mercedes subsequent to it and two suspects. A kind of suspects might be seen operating away with an obvious gun, the opposite was standing with an assault rifle pointed towards the shop. 

Dabney mentioned that there was no photograph exhibiting the face of the 2 shooters. The retired officer mentioned the shortage of an image exhibiting the shooters’ faces made the image of the white Mercedes Benz essential to the investigation. The homicide weapons had been by no means recovered, in response to Dabney. 

Hagerman then started questioning Dabney in regards to the condo advanced previously generally known as the Tulane Residences. Dabney mentioned MPD had their consideration drawn to a white Expedition which lead officers to the condo advanced on Haven Court docket. Dabney mentioned that officers had been notably enthusiastic about a girl who lived on the condo advanced, Justin Johnson’s cousin. 

Hagerman confirmed Dabney and the jury video from the condo advanced taken 37 minutes after the homicide. In that video, Johnson’s cousin could be seen approaching the Expedition. Two males exit the car. Dabney mentioned the boys had been carrying clothes matching the outline of the gunmen from Makeda’s. 

Video additionally confirmed a person exiting the condo constructing and attain right into a Dodge Charger within the car parking zone. The person’s pants are sagging and he’s carrying blue underwear, matching the sagging pants and blue underwear worn by one of many shooters at Makeda’s, the retired murder detective testified. 

After seeing the video, Dabney mentioned that officers had been enthusiastic about talking with Johnson, his cousin and find the Expedition and the Chevy Trax seen on the condo advanced. Dabney mentioned officers additionally acquired a tip a few white Mercedes. That car was found at an deserted residence on Bradley Avenue three days after the homicide, Dabney mentioned. Dabney mentioned that officers additionally discovered that Hernandez Govan lived in the home throughout the road from the place the Mercedes was found. Govan ultimately grew to become a suspect within the case. 

9:30 a.m., September 24 – Trial resumes

Day two of Justin Johnson’s trial for the homicide of Memphis rapper Younger Dolph started at 9:30 a.m. Justin Johnson, the defendant, entered the courtroom. Protection legal professional, Luke Evans and prosecutor Paul Hagerman had two separate conversations with the decide earlier than the primary witness was referred to as. 

The jury entered the courtroom at 9:53 a.m.

4:15 a.m., September 23 – Day 1 Recap

Testimonies are anticipated to proceed Tuesday.

However on Monday, the primary day of the Younger Dolph homicide trial, there have been some bombshell revelations. This included Shelby County Assistant District Legal professional Paul Hagerman claiming in courtroom that Dolph’s homicide got here after the late brother of rival rapper Yo Gotti put out a “hit” on Dolph’s life.

Alleged shooter Justin Johnson, who’s additionally identified by the rap title Straight Drop, started his trial Monday. The opposite suspected shooter within the case, Cornelius Smith, admitted to his half and testified towards Johnson. 

5:09 p.m., September 23 – Finish of Day One

Day one of many trial concluded round 5:09 p.m. The decide mentioned that trial will resume at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24. 

4:47 p.m., September 23 – Third witness

Dr. Juliette Scantlebury, medical expert and an professional in forensic pathology was the third witness of the day. Dr. Scantlebury carried out the post-mortem on Younger Dolph on November 18, 2021. Dr. Scantlebury checked out images from the post-mortem and described to the jury the accidents she noticed on Younger Dolph. She additionally described the clothes and property that had been on Thornton on the time of his demise.  

A shirt proven to the jury and Dr. Scantlebury confirmed the shirts Younger Dolph was carrying on the time of the capturing. White squares on the shirts confirmed the place bullet holes within the clothes had been. 

Recovered from Younger Dolph’s physique had been a number of bullet fragments, Dr. Scantlebury testified. 

Dr. Scantlebury mentioned that the energetic ingredient of marijuana was found in Younger Dolph’s physique. Younger Dolph suffered 20 entry wounds and 4 exit wounds from gunshots, in response to Dr. Scantlebury. The physician testified that Younger Dolph died a murder of gunshot wounds. 

In cross-examination, Evans, Johnson’s protection legal professional, requested if any bullets recovered had been in tact. The physician mentioned that one was.

3:16 p.m., September 23 – Cross-examination of Cornelius Smith 

Luke Evans, protection legal professional for Justin Johnson, started cross-examining Cornelius Smith by calling into query what he instructed legislation enforcement instantly following his arrest. Smith admitted to mendacity about having by no means seen the Mercedes and never understanding Johnson. Smith mentioned that he met with legislation enforcement three or 4 occasions to arrange for the trial. 

Evans claimed that Smith’s unique lawyer acquired $50,000 to symbolize him within the case. Smith admitted that cash got here from CMG, the document label of Yo Gotti and Large Jook. “There is not any query that that cash was for companies rendered, for killing Dolph,” Evans mentioned. The protection legal professional mentioned that Smith’s aware didn’t hassle him when he acquired the cash to retain an legal professional. “You did not suppose then, ‘Man, I actually should not get cash for killing any person,” Evans mentioned. 

Relating to the image of Johnson together with his suitcase packed, taken after Dolph’s homicide, Smith admitted that he does not know if Johnson was ever paid for the hit on Younger Dolph.  

Evans claimed that Smith acquired a lawyer in March and met with legislation enforcement in March 2022. “You mentioned you had a change of coronary heart and also you needed to inform the reality. When did that occur?” Evans requested. Smith mentioned he had this transformation of coronary heart after he was arrested and sobered up. Smith was arrested on December 9. Smith mentioned that Johnson despatched him a letter saying, “Minimize (Johnson) unfastened and take Jook and (Govan) down with (Smith).” Smith admitted to not getting that letter instantly from Johnson and never seeing Johnson write the letter. 

Smith met with prosecutors in August. “So, at this time, for the primary time ever, you testified that you simply wiped that Mercedes down,” Evans requested. Smith admitted that he by no means instructed detectives that he cleaned the Mercedes. Evans requested Smith why he by no means instructed detectives about wiping down the automobile. Data present that Smith instructed detectives “Justin mentioned that he had somebody wipe the automobile down.” “Stuff slip an individual’s thoughts too,” Smith rebutted. 

Smith mentioned that he wiped the automobile down “a few days after the capturing.” Smith testified that he instructed Govan that he was going to enter the yard and wipe the automobile down. In accordance with Evans, Smith by no means instructed legislation enforcement about that dialog with Govan. “Stuff slip an individual’s thoughts on the time. When legislation enforcement query me, I am not going to recollect all the things proper there, bit for bit,” Smith mentioned. 

Evans mentioned that legislation enforcement requested Smith in regards to the $800 he was allegedly given after the capturing. The protection legal professional clarified that Smith testified that Johnson hand delivered a letter with $500. Smith mentioned that he was on a telephone with Johnson and a neighbor on the time of that supply. Evans then questioned Smith and implied that he couldn’t keep in mind the small print in regards to the alleged funds as a result of was mendacity. 

Evans requested Smith if he mentioned that he might “stand up on Dolph actual simple” as a result of he knew the place Younger Dolph’s aunt lived and that he noticed him over there as soon as per week. Smith denied each saying that. 

Evans requested Smith if he anticipated to get consideration after his testimony. Smith mentioned he didn’t and that he was testifying to get all the things on his chest and really feel higher. However, in response to Evans, Smith instructed his sisters a unique story after his arrest in 2022. In accordance with Evans, Smith wrote, “My laywer is attempting to inform me my finest out is working with the feds, serving to them, one thing I’ve by no means achieved in my life…That is the one manner I cannot do life in jail.” Evans mentioned that Smith then wrote that he hoped to not do any time as a result of his lawyer represented a suspect within the Holly Bobo case. Evans continued studying Smith’s letter, saying that Smith wrote “they acquired to let me stroll free.” 

Evans then requested Smith why he lied to his household. Smith mentioned he hoped for one of the best and attempting to “converse it into existence.” Smith mentioned that he realized that Govan had already spoken to legislation enforcement and realized that “they already know all the things.” Smith wrote to his sisters that he met with Govan and that “it appeared like he had a restricted time to seek out somebody to pin it on.” 

“You repeatedly say in these letters to your sister that you simply did not do that and also you’re solely (going to cooperate) to get your self a deal,” Evans mentioned. 

Evans then shifted questioning to the topic of the $50,000 Smith was given for an legal professional. The protection legal professional questioned the timeline of the cash and when Smith admitted to receiving it. 

Smith admitted that he tried to get his girlfriend to lie for him with a view to create an alibi. Evans then requested Smith if he knew, the day earlier than the homicide, that he was going to kill Younger Dolph. Smith mentioned he was out “on the lookout for any person.” In accordance with Evans, Smith texted somebody on the morning Younger Dolph was murdered saying it was “his huge day.” Smith mentioned he was referring his daughter’s birthday. Smith admitted to telling his kid’s mom that he was going to get her a home and purchase her a home. Smith mentioned this was “simply recreation” and that mendacity and “recreation” are two various things. When requested if he was mendacity to the jury, Smith mentioned, “I ain’t attempting to run recreation on no person.” 

Throughout the capturing at Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Butter Cookies, Smith mentioned that Johnson acquired scraped on the again by a bullet fired by Younger Dolph’s brother. Smith mentioned that might care was achieved on Johnson after the capturing. Evans mentioned that Smith initially instructed legislation enforcement that he was bleeding “actually dangerous.” On the stand,  Smith mentioned he was not bleeding that dangerous. He clarified by saying that he had been shot earlier than and wasn’t overly anxious in regards to the wounds he suffered. In accordance with Smith, Johnson instructed him that he was hit within the shootout at Makeda’s. 

Evans then questioned Smith in regards to the deal between Johnson and Large Jook. In accordance with Evans, Smith instructed investigators he “thought” Johnson had the identical deal. The protection legal professional implied that this contradicted Smith’s testimony that he knew Johnson was given the identical deal; $50,000 for the homicide of Younger Dolph with $10,000 to be paid to Hernandez Govan.  

Evans questioned Smith about how precisely he wiped down the white Mercedes after the capturing. Smith mentioned that he used a towel to wipe down the automobile and that he was pushed to the home by his girlfriend. 

Smith then testified that Govan instructed he and Johnson to care for the automobile as a result of if the police come to him the was going to ship the police to his legal professional. Prosecutor Paul Hagerman then requested Smith if he ever instructed him that he was going to stroll out of jail. Smith mentioned no, that he at all times understood that he was going to jail. 

1:48 p.m., September 23 – Cornelius Smith testifies

Court docket resumed with the testimony of Cornelius Smith, one of many males prosecutors claimed killed Memphis rapper Younger Dolph. Smith’s testimony started by him acknowledging that the prosecution made him no guarantees, that he knew he was not going to go residence free and that he knew he was going to jail for his function in Younger Dolph’s demise. 

Smith mentioned he started utilizing medicine once more after his 9-year-old son died in 2020. Smith admitted to mendacity to police after he was initially arrested on unrelated fees in Mississippi. He mentioned he determined to “inform the reality” as a result of he realized he had been caught and that he “had a aware.” 

Prosecutor Paul Hagerman confirmed video of two males capturing into the window of Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Butter Cookies. Smith mentioned, “That was the day we had shot Younger Dolph.” When requested who the “we” was, Smith recognized Justin Johnson because the second gunman within the video. Smith mentioned that each he and Johnson knew Hernandez Govan and that Govan was making an attempt to get Johnson a cope with CMG, the document label of Yo Gotti and Large Jook. Smith mentioned that he used to purchase medicine from Govan. 

Smith knew Johnson for “just a few months” earlier than the capturing, he testified. In accordance with Smith, he and Johnson knew that Large Jook had a “hit on Dolph’s head.” Smith mentioned that Govan instructed them about that $100,000 hit. Each Smith and Johnson agreed to do the hit, he testified. Smith mentioned that each he and Johnson had been going to provide Govan $10,000 after the hit and that each gunmen would take $40,000. The 2 had deliberate the method for weeks, in response to Smith. 

On the day of the capturing, Smith mentioned that Johnson picked him up from his father’s home in Orange Mound. Smith mentioned that each he and Johnson knew that Younger Dolph was in Memphis to be part of a turkey drive. His document label, Paper Route Empire, held these Thanksgiving meals drives yearly. Smith mentioned that when Johnson picked him up on the day of the capturing Johnson was driving a white Mercedes Benz. Within the backseat, Smith mentioned, was a Draco, a semi-automatic weapon, and a handgun. 

Smith mentioned that he and Johnson noticed Younger Dolph’s customized automobile whereas the 2 had been driving. “We had been like, ‘There goes Dolph proper there,” Smith mentioned. In accordance with Smith, the 2 started following Dolph and noticed him pull into Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Butter Cookies. Smith mentioned that the 2 “made the block”, “pulled up the backway,” and that he “jumped out and began capturing.” Smith had the semi-automatic weapon on the time of the capturing, he mentioned. 

Hagerman confirmed video of gunmen capturing into Makeda’s. Smith recognized himself and Johnson because the folks within the video. “I wasn’t feeling nothing on the time,” Smith mentioned. “I used to be simply attempting to get some cash…I noticed him standing by the window. I simply acquired out of the automobile and began capturing.” 

After the capturing, Younger Dolph’s brother could be seen on video operating out of Makeda’s. Prosecutors mentioned that Younger Dolph’s brother shot on the two, hitting Smith. Smith mentioned that they didn’t shoot again. Smith was shot in his shoulder, his arm and his leg. 

Smith mentioned the 2 sped away from the capturing and went again to Bradley Avenue. The 2 switched automobiles and Facetimed Large Jook to let him know “that was our work,” Smith mentioned. Smith mentioned that Johnson used “jailhouse signal language” to spell out DOLPH and let Large Jook know that the hit had been carried out. 

In accordance with Smith, he and Johnson additionally spoke to Govan after capturing Younger Dolph. Smith mentioned that Govan instructed them to get “do away with that automobile”, referencing the Mercedes Benz. The pair left the automobile on Bradley Avenue, close to Govan’s Orange Mound residence, in response to Smith. 

Hagerman then confirmed video of Smith driving a white Expedition and pulling right into a car parking zone. A girl, recognized by Smith, as a member of the family of Johnson, approaches the automobile. Smith will get out of the automobile, visibly bleeding from a gunshot wound to the shoulder. One other man exits the automobile. Smith recognized that man as Johnson. The second man was carrying  garments just like identified images of Johnson taken earlier within the day earlier than the capturing. Smith mentioned, as soon as contained in the condo advanced, Smith used a “wound equipment” to scrub up.  

Smith mentioned that the 2 cleaned up and that he used Johnson’s telephone to textual content his girlfriend. Smith mentioned that he requested Govan to get his telephone out of the glovebox of the white Mercedes. Govan instructed him to fulfill him on the automobile wash to get his telephone again, in response to Smith. Hagerman then performed video of Smith and Johnson leaving the condo advanced. Smith mentioned that he acquired into his girlfriend’s truck and left the condo advanced. 

Smith mentioned that Johnson deliberate to get the cash from Large Jook whereas he went to retrieve his telephone and get some capsules. When Smith met Govan to get his telephone again, Smith mentioned that Govan heard that one in all them had been shot, that blood belonging to one in all them was on the scene, and requested if they’d their face masks on on the time of the capturing. Later that day, Smith mentioned Govan “pulled up” at his dad’s home for a second dialog. Smith mentioned that he requested Govan for extra money for extra capsules. In accordance with Smith, Govan pressured them to do away with the white Mercedes used within the homicide. Smith mentioned Johnson had these keys. 

In accordance with Smith, the weapons used to homicide Dolph stayed behind Expedition. Smith mentioned he by no means noticed the weapons once more and nobody ever instructed him what occurred to the weapons.  

Smith mentioned he had no issues with Younger Dolph. “I did not even know Dolph…did not meet him a day in my life,” Smith mentioned. Smith admitted that he was not knowledgeable hit man, however mentioned that he was provided $40,000 to hold out the hit. 

Smith mentioned that the Mercedes was moved from the driveway of a house on Bradley Avenue to the home’s yard. Smith mentioned that he returned to the automobile and cleaned it. 

Smith touched primarily based with Johnson a number of occasions after the capturing, he testified. In accordance with Smith, Johnson mentioned that Large Jook mentioned it was “too sizzling” to provide them the cash instantly following the capturing. Smith and Large Jook had solely met one time, he mentioned. In accordance with Smith, he, Govan and Large Jook met at Large Jook’s residence. Younger Dolph’s homicide was mentioned at that assembly, Smith mentioned. In accordance with Smith, he and Govan had a dialog in regards to the hit previous to the assembly with Large Jook. It was Govan, in response to Smith, that put Smith and Johnson collectively to hold out the hit. 

Smith mentioned that, whereas attempting to speak with Johnson about cash following the homicide, he ultimately found that he was speaking with Jamarcus Johnson, Justin Johnson’s half-brother. In accordance with Smith, he was ultimately paid a complete of $800 and given a letter saying that Large Jook suggested them to develop a great story in the event that they “get caught up.”

Prosecutor Paul Hagerman gave Smith images. In one of many images was a home. Smith mentioned that Johnson shot a rap video in entrance of the house on Bradley Avenue, the place the Mercedes was found, just a few weeks earlier than Younger Dolph was murdered. In one other photograph, Smith recognized Johnson carrying the identical garments because the gunman within the photograph outdoors of Makeda’s. Smith then recognized Johnson stepping into an elevator and Johnson “able to roll” after the capturing. Smith additionally recognized Large Jook within the images. 

1:00 p.m., September 23 – Court docket in recess

Shelby County District Legal professional Steve Mulroy spoke to media throughout the courtroom’s recess on Monday. Mulroy spoke in regards to the absence of Cornelius Smith, the second alleged gunman, and the investigation into Yo Gotti’s brother Large Jook who was killed after the Younger Dolph homicide. Mulroy mentioned he hopes to have the homicide trial wrapped up by Wednesday. 

11:24 a.m., September 23 – Witnesses testify

Younger Dolph’s sister was the primary witness referred to as to the stand by the prosecution. She was requested the artist’s sister about Younger Dolph’s household and funeral companies.

The second witness referred to as to the stand was Younger Dolph’s head of safety. The top of safety was not with Dolph on the day of the homicide. As a substitute, Dolph’s brother was with the rapper on the time. He could be seen on surveillance video getting out of the facet of Younger Dolph’s automobile. 

Prosecutor Paul Hagerman requested the pinnacle of safety questions in regards to the heightened safety when it got here to Large Jook, brother of Yo Gotti, and members of their document label Cocaine Music Group (CMG). The top of safety was requested about previous incidents in North Carolina and California involving CMG members. 

11:19 a.m., September 23 – Protection opening assertion

Luke Evans, the legal professional for Justin Johnson, started his opening statements by urging the jury to pay very shut consideration to the relationships between Hernandez Govan and Justin Johnson. Evans mentioned that he expects the jury will “hear from Govan” within the case. 

Evans continued to assault Govan’s creditability, saying that he supposed to get a 30 to 60 % piece of Justin Johnson’s potential future earnings. “He will get his claws into Mr. Johnson and what you are going to hear is, as the method goes on, (Mr. Johnson) goes to signal with CMG. However, there comes a degree within the street the place what Mr. Govan needs, which is a meal ticket, a payday, and what Mr. Johnson needs, differ,” Evans mentioned. 

In September, Evans claimed Johnson and Govan went to Atlanta to fulfill Large Jook. Evans claimed it was at that assembly that Johnson determined, “I am not going to go your manner” and cut up ties with Govan. 

Evans claimed that Govan was offended at that call that he left Johnson in Atlanta and compelled Johnson to seek out one other manner residence to Memphis. 

The protection legal professional additionally attacked the credibility of Cornelius Smith, the second alleged gunman at Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Butter Cookies on the day Younger Dolph was murdered. Evans instructed the jury that he expects Smith to testify and that he is been assembly with legislation enforcement to attempt to “save himself.” 

“Mr. Johnson sits earlier than you harmless and he’ll stay that manner as a result of on the conclusion of this case, as soon as you’ve got heard all of the proof and all of the testimony, you’ll not be satisfied past an affordable doubt that he did this as a result of he did not,” Evans instructed the jury. 

Regarding the clothes Johnson wore on the day of the homicide, Evans instructed the jury “comparable doesn’t suggest the identical for mass produced gadgets.” 

Evans claimed that the white Mercedes believed for use within the homicide had a number of units of fingerprints, together with these belonging to Cornelius Smith. Johnson’s fingerprints, in response to Evans, weren’t discovered on the automobile. “If it was wiped after which moved after which wiped once more, because the state recommend, then how are there prints on it?” Evans requested the jury. “They do not have something matching Johnson’s DNA.” 

11:12 a.m., September 23 – Prosecution particulars day of homicide

Shelby County Assistant District Legal professional Paul Hagerman mentioned that Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith ditched the white Mercedes used within the homicide of Younger Dolph in Orange Mound and used Johnson’s car to get away kind the realm. Hagerman claimed that their cell telephones put them within the areas of the scenes. 

Cornelius Smith was shot throughout the capturing, in response to Hagerman. The prosecutor claimed that the pair ditched the white Mercedes after the capturing and, inside 45 minutes of the homicide, went to the condo of Johnson’s cousin on the Gospel Gardens Residences.  That is the place they tried to bandage Smith’s wounds and Johnson modified garments, in response to Hagerman. The prosecutor claimed that telephone information tracked the pair’s actions and that the 2 are recorded on safety footage from the condo. 

Later that night time, Hagerman claimed that Johnson went again to the Crosstown residences. The prosecutor mentioned that Johnson was recorded on video later that night time together with his “suitcase and all the things else, able to get the heck out of city.” 

10:35 a.m., September 23 – Opening statements

Throughout his opening assertion, Shelby County Assistant District Legal professional Paul Hagerman mentioned that Large Jook, the brother of famed Memphis rapper Yo Gotti and a part of Gotti’s document label CMG, put out a “hit” on Younger Dolph, promising $100,000 to whoever killed Younger Dolph who famously had animosity with CMG. 

“Large Jook, the particular person I instructed you about earlier than, the quantity two man at CMG, he is put out a success, a success, $100,000 to whoever kills Dolph,” Hagerman mentioned. “He has met with Justin (Johnson). He has met with Cornelius (Smith) they usually suppose they’re able to do it.” 

RELATED: Yo Gotti’s brother ‘Large Jook’ killed in capturing outdoors Memphis restaurant, police verify

Hagerman argued that Justin Johnson, additionally identified by his rap title of Straight Drop, was motived to develop into the document label’s subsequent huge artist and deliberate to take his a part of the $100,000 to assist escalate his profession. 

The assistant district legal professional claimed it was Johnson who drove the white Mercedes to Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Butter Cookies on the day Dolph was killed. Hagerman mentioned that Johnson was the person holding a handgun throughout the capturing. 

Hagerman additionally confirmed the jury a photograph which he claimed confirmed Johnson an hour earlier than the homicide. In that photograph, the person he claimed to be Johnson is carrying an outfit just like the gunmen seen within the images from Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Butter Cookies, together with the identical Bass Professional Store hat. 

Whereas exiting a parking storage lower than an hour earlier than the capturing, Hagerman claimed Johnson was driving a white Mercedes with harm to the backend. Hagerman referred to as it the “very same automobile” used within the homicide of Younger Dolph. “You may do away with weapons. You may wipe down automobiles. You may disappear in neighborhoods. Nevertheless it’s not 1981. It is 2021 (on the time of the homicide) and from two o’clock that morning to 12:23 the identical day, he’s caught, caught, caught, caught, caught many times. And it isn’t simply earlier than the homicide,” Hagerman mentioned. 

9:30 a.m. September 23 – Justin Johnson seems in courtroom

Justin” Straight Drop” Johnson confirmed as much as courtroom in a blue flannel shirt. The once-amateur rapper will probably have his former co-defendant, Cornelius Smith, testify towards him, FOX13’s Jeremy Pierre studies. Accused mastermind behind Younger Dolph’s homicide might additionally testify towards Johnson.

8:15 a.m. September 23 – Justin Johnson to face trial

Sources instructed FOX13’s Jeremy Pierre that solely Justin Johnson will stand trial beginning Monday morning. As beforehand reported, he pleaded not responsible to first-degree homicide and is scheduled to face a jury from the Nashville space after a protection legal professional argued that intense media protection and social media consideration would make it laborious to seat a jury from Memphis.

7:15 a.m. September 23 – Younger Dolph’s household points assertion

Younger Dolph’s household issued a press release over the weekend expressing “their hope for justice.” The total assertion — issued by way of the legislation agency DR and Associates — is under:

“Because the trial approaches on Monday, September 23, 2024, for these accused within the tragic demise of Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., identified to hundreds of thousands as Younger Dolph, his household needs to specific their hope for justice.

‘We stay heartbroken over the lack of Adolph, and we now have religion that the authorized system will convey justice to all of these concerned on this crime. This has been an unimaginable time for our household, however the love and help of the group has given us energy as we proceed to course of this case.’

The household expressed gratitude for the continued outpouring of help from followers and the group, which has offered energy throughout such a troublesome time of ache that has been deeply felt throughout Memphis and past.

‘We ask for privateness because the authorized course of unfolds, and for persistence from those that stand with us. We belief that the authorized system will ship justice for Adolph, permitting us, and the group he beloved, to start the journey towards therapeutic.’

The Thornton household encourages the media and public to keep away from hypothesis relating to the trial and to respect the judicial course of. Official updates shall be offered when applicable, in addition to a press convention to be held on the trial’s conclusion. Additional particulars shall be offered as soon as a date has been set.

4:30 a.m. September 23 – Trial set to start

FOX13 discovered that an out-of-town jury has been chosen for the trial however it’s unclear how most of the accused males will face that jury. FOX13 acquired conflicting data over who shall be in courtroom.

There are 4 suspects within the case: Suspected shooters Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith, alleged mastermind Hernandez Govan and the half-brother of the alleged shooters, Jermarcus Johnson.

Younger Dolph, whose actual title was Adolph Thornton Jr., was shot and killed at Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Cookies on Nov. 17, 2021.

RELATED: All the things we all know in regards to the homicide of Younger Dolph, arrests and courtroom circumstances

Final 12 months, Jermarcus Johnson pleaded responsible to accent after the actual fact. He isn’t instantly implicated in Dolph’s homicide however as a substitute is accused of serving to the suspected shooters whereas they ran from police.

Final month, the Shelby County District Legal professional’s Workplace instructed FOX13 the one trial set to begin Monday in Memphis can be Justin Johnson’s. He has pleaded not responsible to first-degree homicide and is scheduled to face a jury from the Nashville space after a protection legal professional argued that intense media protection and social media consideration would make it laborious to seat a jury from Memphis.

RELATED: Younger Dolph homicide suspect begins trial on Monday

On Friday, the workplace despatched one other e mail saying it might be Justin Johnson, Hernandez Govan and Jermarcus Johnson — although Jermarcus Johnson already pleaded responsible. FOX13 has reached out to the workplace for additional clarification.