Murder trial of Memphis rapper Young Dolph underway | News

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – One of many males accused of murdering Memphis rapper Younger Dolph, whose actual identify 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 verify this story for dwell updates on the trial.

WATCH THE TRIAL LIVE FROM THE COURTROOM

1:54 p.m., September 24 – Courtroom resumes with cross-examination 

After a lunch break, courtroom resumed at 1:55 p.m. Protection legal professional Luke Evans resumed courtroom by cross-examining retired MPD detective Terence Dabney. 

Evans started by questioning Dabney in regards to the proof gathered on the scene. Evans obtained Dabney to confess that the shell casings had been in step with any .40-caliber gun. Dabney once more testified that the homicide weapons had been by no means recovered. Dabney testified that he was not conscious of any testing finished to match the bullets recovered from the crime scene and the bullets recovered from Younger Dolph. 

Evans then questioned Dabney in regards to the white Mercedes. Prosecutor Hagerman requested Dabney if he canvassed the world for any video. Dabney stated no video was recovered from the world the place the automobile was found. He additionally talked about that officers realized Hernandez Govan lived throughout the road.  Dabney stated that investigators went to Govan’s home whereas on the lookout for footage. Dabney stated that he didn’t recall Cornelius Smith, admitted gunman, telling authorities that Govan had cameras dealing with the deserted home the place the automobile was found. Dabney stated that if investigators had been conscious that Govan had cameras, somebody would’ve adopted up on that lead. Nonetheless, investigators had been by no means made conscious that Govan had cameras. 

QUESTIONING EVIDENCE 

Dabney stated that he was not sure if there have been bullet holes within the Mercedes when it was found. The retired detective stated {that a} window could have been damaged out. In images proven to Dabney, the passenger aspect window might be seen lacking. Dabney didn’t recall damaged glass anyplace inside or exterior of the automobile. Evans then established, once more, that Justin Johnson’s fingerprints weren’t recovered from the automobile. The protection legal professional then went over the case of DNA within the automobile. Contact testing was finished on at the very least eight locations contained in the automobile, in accordance with Evans. Dabney testified that there was a report that there was DNA recovered however no match made. Sometimes, when DNA testing is completed, the outcomes come again from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation on letterhead, Evans stated. The protection legal professional stated chapstick was recovered from contained in the Mercedes and despatched to the TBI for testing. DNA from that chapstick matched a male, Evans stated. Dabney testified that he couldn’t say whether or not or not the contact testing DNA was ever despatched. Evans stated that, if the contact samples weren’t despatched for testing, that may be an issue for the investigation. “It might be,” Dabney stated. Evans stated that contact testing DNA might present investigators who touched that a part of the automobile and, if it wasn’t examined, it will’ve been an “avenue for establishing information” that may’ve been left unattended. Dabney beforehand testified that no blood proof was discovered within the automobile. Evans started speaking about Blue Star, a sprig used to detect blood inside a automobile and stated that it might even present blood on issues that folks thought that they had cleaned. The Blue Star reacted to one thing within the automobile, Evans stated. Dabney stated he is been informed that if Blue Star reacts to one thing, it is usually an indication that blood is within the space. Evans requested Dabney if he is conscious of any testing finished on any of the Blue Star samples. Dabney stated he was not conscious. Evans stated that if that testing was finished, it will have been pivotal to the investigation. Dabney agreed with this. 

THE CROSSTOWN, MAKEDA’S AND VALERO VIDEOS

Evans then shifted questioning to the video from the Valero gasoline station. Dabney testified that it was inconceivable to inform if somebody obtained out of or into the white Mercedes. 

Concerning the movies from the Crosstown condo complicated, Dabney testified that he couldn’t inform who was within the Mercedes that pulled into the parking storage. Evans stated that the video doesn’t present the person within the grey sweatpants, black hoodie and black sneakers get into or out of any automobile. The prosecution claimed that particular person was Justin Johnson. Dabney testified that he couldn’t inform if the particular person exiting the parking storage within the white Mercedes was Justin Johnson. 

The prosecution confirmed video that apparently confirmed Justin Johnson strolling by the Crosstown condo complicated. Evans identified that, in these movies, the person the state claimed to be Johnson was not carrying gloves. The person within the video was additionally seen with a bit woman, recognized as Johnson’s daughter, who the protection assumed would have been within the white Mercedes too, had Justin Johnson been within the white Mercedes. 

Within the video from Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Butter Cookies, a shooter might be seen with sagging pants and underwear displaying. The prosecution claimed that the identical man was seen in video on the Tulane Residences. Each movies present a person with underwear displaying above his pants. Dabney testified that, nowhere within the written timeline, was the underwear in each circumstances documented as being blue. Dabney stated that he filed that data away in his head after seeing the movies and that he believes the underwear in each movies was blue. Dabney stated that he noticed the nonetheless photos displaying the underwear earlier than the trial. Dabney testified that the underwear in each movies is similar colour. 

9:54 a.m. – 12:30 p.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 stated he would have arrived on the scene of Younger Dolph’s homicide round 1 p.m. Dabney was liable for gathering data on the scene and serving to course of the scene. Dabney testified that there was a big crowd on the scene exterior of Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Butter Cookies. The retired officer stated that this scene was not like some other he labored throughout his years with the Memphis Police Division. Dabney stated that MPD collected video from Makeda’s. That video confirmed the surface and the within of the shop. 

Dabney stated 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 taking pictures. Dabney stated he additionally spoke to staff of Makeda’s. 

Dabney then checked out 10 footage displaying the scene of Makeda’s after the taking pictures and Younger Dolph’s automobile. Dabney stated that Younger Dolph was nonetheless there when he arrived on the scene. The method of making an attempt to revive Younger Dolph had ended by the point Dabney arrived, he stated. 

Hagerman went over a collection of images with Dabney. Dabney stated 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 stated he watched video of the taking pictures 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 stated that these shell casings got here from Younger Dolph’s brother who returned fireplace on the shooters. 

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

Dabney stated 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 working away with an obvious gun, the opposite was standing with an assault rifle pointed towards the shop. 

Dabney stated that there was no picture displaying the face of the 2 shooters. The retired officer stated the shortage of an image displaying 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 accordance with Dabney. 

Hagerman then started questioning Dabney in regards to the condo complicated previously often called the Tulane Residences. Dabney stated MPD had their consideration drawn to a white Expedition which lead officers to the condo complicated on Haven Courtroom. Dabney stated that officers had been significantly fascinated with a lady who lived on the condo complicated, Justin Johnson’s cousin. 

Hagerman confirmed Dabney and the jury video from the condo complicated taken 37 minutes after the homicide. In that video, Johnson’s cousin might be seen approaching the Expedition. Two males exit the automobile. Dabney stated 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 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 stated that officers had been fascinated with talking with Johnson, his cousin and to find the Expedition and the Chevy Trax seen on the condo complicated. Dabney stated officers additionally acquired a tip a few white Mercedes. That automobile was found at an deserted dwelling on Bradley Road three days after the homicide, Dabney stated. Dabney stated that officers additionally realized 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. No video was recovered from Bradley Road, in accordance with Dabney.

At the back of the Mercedes was a DeSoto County license plate, Dabney stated. The retired detective stated that the harm on the automobile matched the automobile used within the homicide. Dabney stated that the automobile was carjacked in Memphis just a few weeks earlier than the homicide. Justin Johnson was not a suspect in that carjacking, in accordance with the prosecutor. Hagerman and Dabney stated that the primary suspect in that carjacking was Treon Ingram. The fingerprints of Cornelius Smith, who admitted to being a gunman, had been discovered on the automobile, in accordance with Dabney. Varied different units of fingerprints had been found from the automobile and gadgets contained in the automobile, together with Ingram’s. Dabney testified that no DNA, no blood or some other fluid was discovered contained in the automobile. The retired detective stated that, throughout the course of the investigation, officers realized that the automobile could have been cleaned. 

Dabney stated that Ingram, the person suspected of carjacking the white Mercedes, was discovered and brought into custody. After questioning Ingram, officers went to a parking storage within the Crosstown space and to a Valero gasoline station on the intersection of Park and Highland to search out extra video of the white Mercedes. In video from the Valero, recorded about 9 hours earlier than the homicide simply after 3 a.m. on November 17, officers noticed the white Mercedes. Dabney stated that video from the gasoline station confirmed a “automobile commerce” the place two teams of individuals swapped vehicles. 

Video from the gasoline station confirmed a number of folks in an Infiniti at one gasoline pump and the white Mercedes at a close-by gasoline pump. Individuals from each vehicles speak after which each vehicles drive to the aspect of the gasoline station. Assistant District Lawyer Paul Hagerman and Dabney each agreed that it was inconceivable to inform if it was Justin Johnson, the defendant, get into the white Mercedes, however each additionally agreed that the one that obtained into the automobile was carrying completely different garments than the Mercedes’ authentic driver. 

Dabney stated that officers obtained a collection of video from the Crosstown flats. These movies had been from the day earlier than, the day of and the day after the murder. Dabney stated Johnson is seen in these movies carrying clothes matching these worn by the gunman within the Younger Dolph homicide. Dabney stated Johnson can also be seen in video arriving on the flats within the white Mercedes and leaving an hour earlier than the murder carrying the identical garments. Dabney stated these movies additionally present Johnson arriving to the condo complicated in a white Expedition and coming again to the condo complicated in several garments after the homicide, packing his luggage and leaving once more. 

Assistant District Lawyer Paul Hagerman confirmed video from the Crosstown flats taken at 7:15 p.m. on the day earlier than Younger Dolph was killed. In that video, a white Expedition might be seen going right into a parking storage. A person in grey sweatpants, black sneakers, a bass professional hat and a black hoodie might be seen getting into the constructing. Dabney testified that Johnson lived on the eight flooring of the condo complicated. 

At 11:13 p.m. on November 16, the day earlier than Younger Dolph was killed, video reveals a white Expedition driving by the parking zone of the condo complicated. A person might be seen getting into the constructing and stroll in direction of the elevators. Carrying the identical sweatpants, hoodie, bass professional hat and sneakers, the person might be seen exiting the elevators. 

Hagerman confirmed a video from 2:41 a.m. on November 17, the day of the homicide. This video would have been recorded earlier than the footage from Valero was taken. That gasoline station video was from the three a.m. hour. Within the 2:41 a.m. video, a person carrying grey sweatpants, a black hoodie and black sneakers might be seen stepping into the elevator of the condo complicated, exiting the condo complicated and strolling into the parking storage. 

At 4:48 a.m. on November 17, after the Valero video was taken and 7 hours earlier than the homicide, a white Mercedes, recognized by Dabney as the identical automobile used within the homicide, might be seen getting into the condo’s parking storage. A person in grey sweatpants and a black hoodie might be seen strolling by the condo constructing and exiting the elevator holding a small baby. Prosecutor Hagerman known as that baby Johnson’s daughter. 

Dabney stated it will take about 10 to fifteen minutes to get from the Crosstown constructing to Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Butter Cookies. At 11:51 a.m., about 37 minutes earlier than the homicide of Younger Dolph, a person in grey sweatpants, a black hoodie and black sneakers might be seen getting on the elevator on the condo constructing with the kid who Hagerman described as Johnson’s daughter. The pair stroll to the parking storage after which the white Mercedes might be seen exiting the parking storage. 

At 7:51 p.m., seven hours after the homicide, a automobile – not the Expedition or the Mercedes – might be seen arriving to the Crosstown flats parking storage. A person in a yellow hoodie, one which matches a hoodie seen on a person from video taken on the Haven Courtroom flats, might be seen strolling by the Crosstown flats. 

At 8 p.m., about eight hours after the homicide, the person within the yellow hoodie, recognized by Hagerman as Johnson, might be seen getting on the condo’s elevator with a suitcase and one other bag. 

Dabney testified that also photographs from these movies recognized Johnson by the tattoos on his arms. 

Dabney stated that officers went to the place the place Johnson lived and different locations and started a citywide manhunt to search out him. Johnson was later captured in Indianapolis. Dabney stated that officers ultimately discovered Johnson’s cellphone together with his brother Jermarcus Johnson. Jermarcus Johnson pleaded responsible to accent after the very fact. Dabney stated that Johnson’s cellphone was taken from his brother and handed over to the crime lab. 

Hagerman then questioned Dabney about admitted gunman Cornelius Smith. Dabney stated that officers spoke to folks near Smith. Hagerman gave Dabney footage. A kind of footage, identified to be Smith, confirmed him carrying a GAP hoodie. One other picture confirmed one of many Younger Dolph shooters carrying an analogous GAP hoodie. After discovering and arresting Smith, Dabney stated officers obtained his cellular phone. The retired detective stated that officers additionally subpoenaed Johnson’s social media, together with Instagram and Snapchat.

The courtroom adjourned for lunch till 1:45 p.m. 

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 choose earlier than the primary witness was known 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 Lawyer 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 identify Straight Drop, started his trial Monday. The opposite suspected shooter within the case, Cornelius Smith, admitted to his half and testified in opposition to Johnson. 

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

Day one of many trial concluded round 5:09 p.m. The choose stated 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 skilled 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 dying.  

A shirt proven to the jury and Dr. Scantlebury confirmed the shirts Younger Dolph was carrying on the time of the taking pictures. 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 stated that the lively ingredient of marijuana was found in Younger Dolph’s physique. Younger Dolph suffered 20 entry wounds and 4 exit wounds from gunshots, in accordance with 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 stated 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 informed regulation enforcement instantly following his arrest. Smith admitted to mendacity about having by no means seen the Mercedes and never understanding Johnson. Smith stated that he met with regulation enforcement three or 4 occasions to organize for the trial. 

Evans claimed that Smith’s authentic lawyer obtained $50,000 to symbolize him within the case. Smith admitted that cash got here from CMG, the document label of Yo Gotti and Massive Jook. “There is no query that that cash was for providers rendered, for killing Dolph,” Evans stated. The protection legal professional stated that Smith’s acutely aware didn’t trouble him when he obtained the cash to retain an legal professional. “You did not suppose then, ‘Man, I actually should not get cash for killing any individual,” Evans stated. 

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

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

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

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

Evans stated that regulation enforcement requested Smith in regards to the $800 he was allegedly given after the taking pictures. The protection legal professional clarified that Smith testified that Johnson hand delivered a letter with $500. Smith stated that he was on a cellphone 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 main points in regards to the alleged funds as a result of was mendacity. 

Evans requested Smith if he stated 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 every week. Smith denied each saying that. 

Evans requested Smith if he anticipated to get consideration after his testimony. Smith stated he didn’t and that he was testifying to get all the pieces on his chest and really feel higher. However, in accordance with Evans, Smith informed his sisters a special story after his arrest in 2022. In response to Evans, Smith wrote, “My laywer is making an attempt to inform me my finest out is working with the feds, serving to them, one thing I’ve by no means finished in my life…That is the one manner I can’t do life in jail.” Evans stated 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 obtained to let me stroll free.” 

Evans then requested Smith why he lied to his household. Smith stated he hoped for the perfect and making an attempt to “communicate it into existence.” Smith stated that he realized that Govan had already spoken to regulation enforcement and realized that “they already know all the pieces.” Smith wrote to his sisters that he met with Govan and that “it appeared like he had a restricted time to search out somebody to pin it on.” 

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

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 in an effort 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 stated he was out “on the lookout for any individual.” In response to Evans, Smith texted somebody on the morning Younger Dolph was murdered saying it was “his large day.” Smith stated 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 stated this was “simply recreation” and that mendacity and “recreation” are two various things. When requested if he was mendacity to the jury, Smith stated, “I ain’t making an attempt to run recreation on no person.” 

Throughout the taking pictures at Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Butter Cookies, Smith stated that Johnson obtained scraped on the again by a bullet fired by Younger Dolph’s brother. Smith stated that may care was finished on Johnson after the taking pictures. Evans stated that Smith initially informed regulation enforcement that he was bleeding “actually unhealthy.” On the stand,  Smith stated he was not bleeding that unhealthy. He clarified by saying that he had been shot earlier than and wasn’t overly fearful in regards to the wounds he suffered. In response to Smith, Johnson informed him that he was hit within the shootout at Makeda’s. 

Evans then questioned Smith in regards to the deal between Johnson and Massive Jook. In response to Evans, Smith informed 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 taking pictures. Smith stated 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 informed he and Johnson to maintain 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 informed him that he was going to stroll out of jail. Smith stated no, that he at all times understood that he was going to jail. 

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

Courtroom 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 dwelling free and that he knew he was going to jail for his function in Younger Dolph’s dying. 

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

Prosecutor Paul Hagerman confirmed video of two males taking pictures into the window of Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Butter Cookies. Smith stated, “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 stated that each he and Johnson knew Hernandez Govan and that Govan was trying to get Johnson a cope with CMG, the document label of Yo Gotti and Massive Jook. Smith stated that he used to purchase medication from Govan. 

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

On the day of the taking pictures, Smith stated that Johnson picked him up from his father’s home in Orange Mound. Smith stated 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 stated that when Johnson picked him up on the day of the taking pictures Johnson was driving a white Mercedes Benz. Within the backseat, Smith stated, was a Draco, a semi-automatic weapon, and a handgun. 

Smith stated 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 stated. In response to Smith, the 2 started following Dolph and noticed him pull into Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Butter Cookies. Smith stated that the 2 “made the block”, “pulled up the backway,” and that he “jumped out and began taking pictures.” Smith had the semi-automatic weapon on the time of the taking pictures, he stated. 

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

After the taking pictures, Younger Dolph’s brother might be seen on video working out of Makeda’s. Prosecutors stated that Younger Dolph’s brother shot on the two, hitting Smith. Smith stated that they didn’t shoot again. Smith was shot in his shoulder, his arm and his leg. 

Smith stated the 2 sped away from the taking pictures and went again to Bradley Road. The 2 switched vehicles and Facetimed Massive Jook to let him know “that was our work,” Smith stated. Smith stated that Johnson used “jailhouse signal language” to spell out DOLPH and let Massive Jook know that the hit had been carried out. 

In response to Smith, he and Johnson additionally spoke to Govan after taking pictures Younger Dolph. Smith stated that Govan informed them to get “do away with that automobile”, referencing the Mercedes Benz. The pair left the automobile on Bradley Road, close to Govan’s Orange Mound dwelling, in accordance with Smith. 

Hagerman then confirmed video of Smith driving a white Expedition and pulling right into a 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 much like identified images of Johnson taken earlier within the day earlier than the taking pictures. Smith stated, as soon as contained in the condo complicated, Smith used a “wound package” to scrub up.  

Smith stated that the 2 cleaned up and that he used Johnson’s cellphone to textual content his girlfriend. Smith stated that he requested Govan to get his cellphone out of the glovebox of the white Mercedes. Govan informed him to fulfill him on the automobile wash to get his cellphone again, in accordance with Smith. Hagerman then performed video of Smith and Johnson leaving the condo complicated. Smith stated that he obtained into his girlfriend’s truck and left the condo complicated. 

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

In response to Smith, the weapons used to homicide Dolph stayed behind Expedition. Smith stated he by no means noticed the weapons once more and nobody ever informed him what occurred to the weapons.  

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

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

Smith touched based mostly with Johnson a number of occasions after the taking pictures, he testified. In response to Smith, Johnson stated that Massive Jook stated it was “too scorching” to offer them the cash instantly following the taking pictures. Smith and Massive Jook had solely met one time, he stated. In response to Smith, he, Govan and Massive Jook met at Massive Jook’s dwelling. Younger Dolph’s homicide was mentioned at that assembly, Smith stated. In response to Smith, he and Govan had a dialog in regards to the hit previous to the assembly with Massive Jook. It was Govan, in accordance with Smith, that put Smith and Johnson collectively to hold out the hit. 

Smith stated that, whereas making an attempt 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 response to Smith, he was ultimately paid a complete of $800 and given a letter saying that Massive Jook suggested them to develop a superb story in the event that they “get caught up.”

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

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

Shelby County District Lawyer 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 Massive Jook who was killed after the Younger Dolph homicide. Mulroy stated 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 known as to the stand by the prosecution. She was requested the artist’s sister about Younger Dolph’s household and funeral providers.

The second witness known 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 an alternative, Dolph’s brother was with the rapper on the time. He might be seen on surveillance video getting out of the aspect of Younger Dolph’s automobile. 

Prosecutor Paul Hagerman requested the top of safety questions in regards to the heightened safety when it got here to Massive 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 stated that he expects the jury will “hear from Govan” within the case. 

Evans continued to assault Govan’s creditability, saying that he meant to get a 30 to 60 p.c 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 some extent within the street the place what Mr. Govan desires, which is a meal ticket, a payday, and what Mr. Johnson desires, differ,” Evans stated. 

In September, Evans claimed Johnson and Govan went to Atlanta to fulfill Massive 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 indignant at that call that he left Johnson in Atlanta and compelled Johnson to search out one other manner dwelling 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 informed the jury that he expects Smith to testify and that he is been assembly with regulation 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 inexpensive doubt that he did this as a result of he did not,” Evans informed the jury. 

Regarding the clothes Johnson wore on the day of the homicide, Evans informed the jury “related 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 accordance with Evans, weren’t discovered on the automobile. “If it was wiped after which moved after which wiped once more, because the state counsel, 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 Lawyer Paul Hagerman stated that Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith ditched the white Mercedes used within the homicide of Younger Dolph in Orange Mound and used Johnson’s automobile to get away type the world. Hagerman claimed that their cell telephones put them within the areas of the scenes. 

Cornelius Smith was shot throughout the taking pictures, in accordance with Hagerman. The prosecutor claimed that the pair ditched the white Mercedes after the taking pictures 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 accordance with Hagerman. The prosecutor claimed that cellphone data 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 flats. The prosecutor stated that Johnson was recorded on video later that night time together with his “suitcase and all the pieces 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 Lawyer Paul Hagerman stated that Massive 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. 

“Massive Jook, the particular person I informed you about earlier than, the quantity two man at CMG, he is put out successful, successful, $100,000 to whoever kills Dolph,” Hagerman stated. “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 ‘Massive Jook’ killed in taking pictures exterior Memphis restaurant, police verify

Hagerman argued that Justin Johnson, additionally identified by his rap identify of Straight Drop, was motived to change into the document label’s subsequent large 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 stated that Johnson was the person holding a handgun throughout the taking pictures. 

Hagerman additionally confirmed the jury a photograph which he claimed confirmed Johnson an hour earlier than the homicide. In that picture, the person he claimed to be Johnson is carrying an outfit much 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 taking pictures, Hagerman claimed Johnson was driving a white Mercedes with harm to the backend. Hagerman known as it the “very same automobile” used within the homicide of Younger Dolph. “You possibly can do away with weapons. You possibly can wipe down vehicles. You possibly can disappear in neighborhoods. But it surely’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 is not simply earlier than the homicide,” Hagerman stated. 

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 presumably have his former co-defendant, Cornelius Smith, testify in opposition to him, FOX13’s Jeremy Pierre experiences. Accused mastermind behind Younger Dolph’s homicide might additionally testify in opposition to Johnson.

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

Sources informed 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 onerous 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 the regulation agency DR and Associates — is beneath:

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

‘We stay heartbroken over the lack of Adolph, and we’ve got religion that the authorized system will deliver 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 neighborhood 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 neighborhood, 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 neighborhood he cherished, 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 will probably be offered when acceptable, in addition to a press convention to be held on the trial’s conclusion. Additional particulars will probably 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 will probably 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 identify was Adolph Thornton Jr., was shot and killed at Makeda’s Do-it-yourself Cookies on Nov. 17, 2021.

RELATED: The whole lot we all know in regards to the homicide of Younger Dolph, arrests and courtroom circumstances

Final yr, Jermarcus Johnson pleaded responsible to accent after the very fact. He isn’t immediately implicated in Dolph’s homicide however as an alternative is accused of serving to the suspected shooters whereas they ran from police.

Final month, the Shelby County District Lawyer’s Workplace informed 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 onerous 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 will be Justin Johnson, Hernandez Govan and Jermarcus Johnson — despite the fact that Jermarcus Johnson already pleaded responsible. FOX13 has reached out to the workplace for additional clarification.