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 stay updates on the trial.

4:07 p.m., September 24 – Cross-examination of Jermarcus Johnson

Luke Evans, the protection lawyer of Justin Johnson, requested Jermarcus if he knew Justin Johnson to be an aspiring rapper. Jermarcus mentioned that he did. Jermarcus testified that he had run Justin Johnson’s social media accounts up to now and that Justin Johnson’s request was not an uncommon factor to be requested. 

That was the one query Evans requested Jermarcus Johnson. 

3:40 p.m., September 24 – Testimony of Jermarcus Johnson

After a 20-minute recess, the jury reentered the courtroom at 3:42 p.m. Prosecutor Paul Hagerman known as to the stand Jermarcus Johnson, the half-brother of Justin Johnson. Jermarcus Johnson pleaded responsible to being an adjunct after the actual fact for taking possession of Justin Johnson’s cellphone and speaking with admitted killer Cornelius Smith after the homicide of Younger Dolph. On the time of the trial, Jermarcus Johnson had not been sentenced. Hagerman informed the witness that telling the reality on the trial would weigh on a decide’s resolution at sentencing. Jermarcus Johnson had by no means been arrested earlier than the case. 

Jermarcus testified that he grew up in a unique family than his brother Justin Johnson and that they two would see one another with the frequency of cousins. 

In November 2021, Jermarcus testified that he knew Younger Dolph was a rapper and that he was not part of the plan to kill Younger Dolph. Jermarcus mentioned that he was by no means a part of a plan to kill any artists of PRE, Younger Dolph’s report label. Throughout 2021, Jermarcus mentioned that he might need seen Justin Johnson two or thrice and that the 2 didn’t share pals, together with Treon Ingram. Through the time of the homicide, Jermarcus mentioned he was residing at an condo advanced in East Memphis. 

After the homicide of Younger Dolph, Jermarcus mentioned that Justin Johnson contacted him about bringing Jermarcus a rental automobile. Justin Johnson knew that Jermarcus didn’t have a automobile on the time, the witness testified. Jermarcus mentioned that Justin Johnson introduced him a white Chrysler. When Justin Johnson pulled up, Jermarcus mentioned Justin had two telephones and was switching numbers from one cellphone to the opposite. Jermarcus mentioned that Justin was going to present him one in every of his two telephones to handle his social media and verify his emails. Jermarcus mentioned that Justin needed him to submit movies and content material to his social media. Justin offered no rationalization to Jermarcus why he wanted his half-brother to submit to social media for him and didn’t inform him that he was going out of city, the witness testified. 

Jermarcus Johnson mentioned that Justin Johnson obtained two cellphone calls whereas they have been collectively earlier than getting right into a white SUV. Jermarcus mentioned that he would contact Justin and let him know at any time when somebody tried to achieve Justin Johnson on the cellphone that was given to Jermarcus. Jermarcus mentioned that he helped Justin Johnson have a three-way dialog with a person who glided by the identify “C”. Jermarcus Johnson mentioned that he later realized that “C” was Cornelius Smith, one other defendant within the case who admitted to participating within the homicide of Younger Dolph. A few of a dialog between the 2, in response to Jermarcus Johnson, needed to do with cash. Jermarcus Johnson mentioned textual content messages between Smith texted Johnson’s cellphone which was in his possession. Jermarcus Johnson mentioned that Smith’s textual content have been about cash and that Smith requested Justin Johnson if he had talked to “Unc.” Jermarcus Johnson mentioned he later realized that Unc was Huge Jook, Yo Gotti’s brother and a part of the report label CMG. Prosecutors alleged that Huge Jook put out a $100,000 hit on Younger Dolph. 

Jermarcus Johnson mentioned that police later got here to him and that he gave officers Justin Johnson’s cellphone and informed them that Justin Johnson gave it to him. Jermarcus Johnson mentioned that he posted two photos to Justin Johnson’s social media accounts, one in every of meals and one in every of a pair of Jordan’s. Earlier than he received arrested, prosecutor Hagerman claimed that Justin Johnson posted photos to his social media accounts himself. These photos included him holding some huge cash and of him in a Rolls-Royce. 

Assistant District Legal professional Hagerman ended his questioning of Jermarcus Johnson. 

Court docket ended for the day simply after 4 p.m. Testimony is predicted to renew at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25. 

2:46 p.m., – September 24 – Protection cross-examination

Luke Evans, protection lawyer for Justin Johnson, then started cross-examining Khistan Garner. Evans claimed that Garner didn’t admit to straight realizing that the automobile was given to Johnson. Garner mentioned that Treon Ingram informed him Johnson was within the automobile when he received into the Infiniti. Garner mentioned he’d been investigated by legislation enforcement “too many occasions” and at the least twice with regard to Younger Dolph’s homicide.

Evans mentioned that the primary time Garner spoke to legislation enforcement was on November 23. Evans claimed on the stand that he didn’t know the Mercedes Benz was stolen. Evans claimed that was not true. Evans testified that he didn’t know the way the Mercedes was obtained, that the one who had it labored at a rubbish firm and that he was not part of the carjacking. Garner mentioned he wanted a experience on the night time the Mercedes was swapped and that he did not query it when the Ingram needed to commerce it for an Infiniti. “That is his enterprise. That is what I believed,” Garner mentioned. Garner mentioned he thought the one who had the automobile had weapons for cover. “Safety. This Memphis,” Garner mentioned. Garner additionally mentioned there have been “loads weapons within the automobile.” 

Garner additionally claimed that he did not know there have been tags from a number of states within the automobile and that he did not change the automobile’s tags. “All I did was be within the automobile and go locations I needed (Ingram) to take me,” Garner mentioned. 

Evans then questioned if he knew that Ingram stole vehicles. The protection lawyer requested him if he informed police that Ingram stole vehicles. Garner mentioned that if police had a report from his interview saying that it “looks as if it” that they received it improper. Garner mentioned that he informed police he had by no means been within the Mercedes when he discovered that Younger Dolph died. Garner mentioned he then informed police that the one time he was within the Mercedes was when he needed a experience. 

Evans then requested Garner concerning the Valero video. The protection lawyer claimed that Garner beforehand informed police that he had by no means been to the fuel station. “I did not need to inform them nothing actually,” Garner testified. “You even have been proven an image of your self pumping fuel and mentioned you did not know who that particular person was, proper?” Evans requested. Garner mentioned, “Sure, sir.”  

Garner beforehand testified that he did not know why Johnson was getting the Mercedes. However, when Garner was beforehand interrogated by police, Evans claimed that Garner informed police that he knew Johnson wanted the automobile to “slide up on his child mamma.” Garner mentioned, “That was only a remark that was made. I ain’t in none of their enterprise. I used to be only a particular person sitting within the automobile. I do not know what they have been doing.” 

Garner mentioned that he was with Ingram on the day Younger Dolph was murdered and that Ingram dropped him off in Raleigh within the Infiniti. Evans mentioned that, on the time, individuals have been making an attempt to place Garner’s identify into the Younger Dolph homicide. Garner agreed to this and mentioned that he realized the day after the homicide that the automobile he was in had one thing to do with the taking pictures. “That is my household. They know what automobile we have been in.” Garner mentioned that he’s a cousin to Younger Dolph. Garner mentioned that he “known as the those who have been associated”  and informed them that he was within the Mercedes. Garner refused to say who these individuals have been. “They don’t seem to be on this,” Garner mentioned. 

Garner mentioned that Ingram was making an attempt to “get the (Mercedes) gone” earlier than the homicide and did not know why he needed to do away with the automobile. That was “per week or two” earlier than Younger Dolph was murdered, in response to Garner. 

Garner defined his alleged connection to Younger Dolph’s household by saying, “Everyone grew up with one another. Everyone know all people. This Memphis. Everyone know all people. We received completed calling them (Younger Dolph’s family). They did not need to get it. They did not need nothing to do with it. So, I suppose he gave it to Drop.”

Garner mentioned that he known as “a number of individuals” after seeing the automobile on the information to let individuals know that he wasn’t concerned within the taking pictures. He mentioned police got here for him a few days after the homicide. Evans claimed that Garner began mendacity then and making an attempt to cover his involvement. Garner then emphasised that he did not have something to do with the homicide of Younger Dolph. “Mr. Garner, we have realized as we speak that you just had fairly a bit to do with it,” Evans mentioned and ended his cross-examination. 

2:30 p.m., – September 24 – Second witness of the day 

Khistan Garner, an inmate on felony drug expenses, was the second witness of the day. Prosecutor Paul Hagerman started by asking Garner concerning the day the Valero video was taken. Garner admitted to being on the Valero and mentioned that he was at a neighborhood home with different individuals earlier than going to the fuel station. Ingram was a type of individuals, Garner mentioned. Garner mentioned he might “not inform” if he noticed Justin Johnson at that home. 

Garner mentioned that he was in a Mercedes Benz. He then recognized the Mercedes Benz as the identical automobile used within the homicide of Younger Dolph. Garner mentioned he didn’t know the automobile was stolen or the place it got here from. Garner mentioned that “Straight Drop” was on the neighborhood home and that he got here in a truck. That truck was a white Ford Expedition, Garner testified. Sooner or later, the group left the home with Garner behind the wheel of the white Mercedes. An Infiniti additionally left the home. Johnson was in that Infiniti, Garner testified. When the 2 automobiles received to the fuel station, he mentioned Johnson received into the white Mercedes Benz and that Garner received into the Infiniti. 

Garner then recognized himself in an image on the fuel station and of the Mercedes that Garner admitted to giving Johnson. Garner mentioned he did not know what Johnson would do in that car, that he was not in a conspiracy and that he by no means spoke to anybody about killing Younger Dolph. “That is my household. I would not do this,” Garner mentioned. When requested who he was speaking about when he mentioned “That is my household,” Garner mentioned, “Younger Dolph.” 

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

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

Evans started by questioning Dabney concerning the proof gathered on the scene. Evans received Dabney to confess that the shell casings have been per any .40-caliber gun. Dabney once more testified that the homicide weapons have been by no means recovered. Dabney testified that he was not conscious of any testing completed to match the bullets recovered from the crime scene and the bullets recovered from Younger Dolph. 

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

QUESTIONING EVIDENCE 

Dabney mentioned that he was uncertain if there have been bullet holes within the Mercedes when it was found. The retired detective mentioned {that a} window might have been damaged out. In images proven to Dabney, the passenger facet window may be seen lacking. Dabney didn’t recall damaged glass anyplace inside or outdoors of the automobile. Evans then established, once more, that Justin Johnson’s fingerprints weren’t recovered from the car. The protection lawyer then went over the case of DNA within the automobile. Contact testing was completed on at the least eight locations contained in the automobile, in response to Evans. Dabney testified that there was a report that there was DNA recovered however no match made. Sometimes, when DNA testing is finished, the outcomes come again from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation on letterhead, Evans mentioned. The protection lawyer mentioned chapstick was recovered from contained in the Mercedes and despatched to the TBI for testing. DNA from that chapstick matched a male, Evans mentioned. Dabney testified that he couldn’t say whether or not or not the contact testing DNA was ever despatched. Evans mentioned that, if the contact samples weren’t despatched for testing, that might be an issue for the investigation. “It could possibly be,” Dabney mentioned. Evans mentioned that contact testing DNA might present investigators who touched that a part of the automobile and, if it wasn’t examined, it might’ve been an “avenue for establishing details” that might’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 car and mentioned that it might even present blood on issues that individuals thought that they had cleaned. The Blue Star reacted to one thing within the automobile, Evans mentioned. Dabney mentioned he is been informed that if Blue Star reacts to one thing, it is sometimes an indication that blood is within the space. Evans requested Dabney if he is conscious of any testing completed on any of the Blue Star samples. Dabney mentioned he was not conscious. Evans mentioned that if that testing was completed, it might 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 fuel station. Dabney testified that it was inconceivable to inform if somebody received out of or into the white Mercedes. 

Relating to the movies from the Crosstown condo advanced, Dabney testified that he couldn’t inform who was within the Mercedes that pulled into the parking storage. Evans mentioned 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 via the Crosstown condo advanced. Evans identified that, in these movies, the person the state claimed to be Johnson was not sporting gloves. The person within the video was additionally seen with a bit of lady, 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 Home made Butter Cookies, a shooter may be seen with sagging pants and underwear exhibiting. The prosecution claimed that the identical man was seen in video on the Tulane Flats. Each movies present a person with underwear exhibiting above his pants. Dabney testified that, nowhere within the written timeline, was the underwear in each instances documented as being blue. Dabney mentioned that he filed that info away in his head after seeing the movies and that he believes the underwear in each movies was blue. Dabney mentioned that he noticed the nonetheless photos exhibiting the underwear earlier than the trial. Dabney testified that the underwear in each movies is similar shade. 

Evans then requested Dabney about his testimony that it might take 10-Quarter-hour to get from the Crosstown condo advanced to Makeda’s Home made Butter Cookies. Dabney testified that Makeda’s is about two miles from the place the automobile was recovered on Bradley Avenue. 

Evans requested Dabney if he ever got here throughout details about the place the mom of Johnson’s daughter lived. Dabney didn’t recall the deal with, however did bear in mind driving to an condo the place she was presupposed to be residing on the time. That condo, in response to Dabney, was a “good way” away, within the Whitehaven space and nearer to the Tulane residences. Tulane is about 20 minutes away from Makeda’s, Dabney mentioned. Evans then established that the mom of Johnson’s daughter lived about 15-20 minutes away from the Crosstown residences. 

STATE’S ADDRESSED CROSS-EXAMINATION

Prosecutor Paul Hagerman then reestablished that Dabney was retired and that the case continued after Dabney retired. Hagerman then established that there have been some issues that occurred and selections that have been made after Dabney was off the case. Dabney then requested Dabney if he was conscious that Blue Star reacts to bleach and different cleansing merchandise. Dabney mentioned he was not conscious of that. 

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 mentioned he would have arrived on the scene of Younger Dolph’s homicide round 1 p.m. Dabney was chargeable for gathering info 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 Home made Butter Cookies. The retired officer mentioned that this scene was in contrast to another he labored throughout his years with the Memphis Police Division. Dabney mentioned that MPD collected video from Makeda’s. That video confirmed the skin and the within of the shop. 

Dabney mentioned that he spoke to witnesses on the scene and took individuals 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 mentioned he additionally spoke to staff of Makeda’s. 

Dabney then checked out 10 photos exhibiting the scene of Makeda’s after the taking pictures and Younger Dolph’s automobile. Dabney mentioned 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 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, have been each discovered on the scene. Dabney mentioned 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 have been additionally discovered within the retailer. Hagerman mentioned 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 photograph was not proven publicly within the courtroom, as the opposite images have been, as a consequence of 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 type of suspects could possibly be seen working 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 dearth of an image exhibiting the shooters’ faces made the image of the white Mercedes Benz essential to the investigation. The homicide weapons have been by no means recovered, in response to Dabney. 

Hagerman then started questioning Dabney concerning the condo advanced previously often called the Tulane Flats. 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 have been notably desirous 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 may be seen approaching the Expedition. Two males exit the car. Dabney mentioned the boys have been sporting 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 sporting 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 have been desirous about talking with Johnson, his cousin and to find the Expedition and the Chevy Trax seen on the condo advanced. Dabney mentioned officers additionally obtained a tip a couple of white Mercedes. That car was found at an deserted dwelling on Bradley Avenue three days after the homicide, Dabney mentioned. Dabney mentioned that officers additionally realized that Hernandez Govan lived in the home throughout the road from the place the Mercedes was found. Govan finally turned a suspect within the case. No video was recovered from Bradley Avenue, in response to Dabney.

At the back of the Mercedes was a DeSoto County license plate, Dabney mentioned. The retired detective mentioned that the harm on the automobile matched the automobile used within the homicide. Dabney mentioned that the automobile was carjacked in Memphis a number of weeks earlier than the homicide. Justin Johnson was not a suspect in that carjacking, in response to the prosecutor. Hagerman and Dabney mentioned that the principle suspect in that carjacking was Treon Ingram. The fingerprints of Cornelius Smith, who admitted to being a gunman, have been discovered on the automobile, in response to Dabney. Numerous different units of fingerprints have been found from the automobile and objects contained in the automobile, together with Ingram’s. Dabney testified that no DNA, no blood or another fluid was discovered contained in the automobile. The retired detective mentioned that, throughout the course of the investigation, officers realized that the automobile might have been cleaned. 

Dabney mentioned 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 fuel station on the intersection of Park and Highland to seek 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 mentioned that video from the fuel station confirmed a “automobile commerce” the place two teams of individuals swapped vehicles. 

Video from the fuel station confirmed a number of individuals in an Infiniti at one fuel pump and the white Mercedes at a close-by fuel pump. Individuals from each vehicles speak after which each vehicles drive to the facet of the fuel station. Assistant District Legal professional 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 who received into the automobile was sporting totally different garments than the Mercedes’ authentic driver. 

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

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

At 11:13 p.m. on November 16, the day earlier than Younger Dolph was killed, video reveals a white Expedition driving via the car parking zone of the condo advanced. A person may be seen coming into the constructing and stroll in direction of the elevators. Carrying the identical sweatpants, hoodie, bass professional hat and sneakers, the person may 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 fuel station video was from the three a.m. hour. Within the 2:41 a.m. video, a person sporting grey sweatpants, a black hoodie and black sneakers may be seen stepping into the elevator of the condo advanced, exiting the condo advanced 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, may be seen coming into the condo’s parking storage. A person in grey sweatpants and a black hoodie may be seen strolling via the condo constructing and exiting the elevator holding a small baby. Prosecutor Hagerman known as that baby Johnson’s daughter. 

Dabney mentioned it might take about 10 to fifteen minutes to get from the Crosstown constructing to Makeda’s Home made 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 may 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 may be seen exiting the parking storage. 

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

At 8 p.m., about eight hours after the homicide, the person within the yellow hoodie, recognized by Hagerman as Johnson, may 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 mentioned that officers went to the place the place Johnson lived and different locations and started a citywide manhunt to seek out him. Johnson was later captured in Indianapolis. Dabney mentioned that officers finally discovered Johnson’s cellphone together with his brother Jermarcus Johnson. Jermarcus Johnson pleaded responsible to accent after the actual fact. Dabney mentioned 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 mentioned that officers spoke to individuals near Smith. Hagerman gave Dabney photos. A type of photos, recognized to be Smith, confirmed him sporting a GAP hoodie. One other photograph confirmed one of many Younger Dolph shooters sporting an analogous GAP hoodie. After discovering and arresting Smith, Dabney mentioned officers obtained his cellular phone. The retired detective mentioned 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 lawyer, Luke Evans and prosecutor Paul Hagerman had two separate conversations with the decide 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 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 recognized 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 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 have been on Thornton on the time of his loss of life.  

A shirt proven to the jury and Dr. Scantlebury confirmed the shirts Younger Dolph was sporting on the time of the taking pictures. White squares on the shirts confirmed the place bullet holes within the clothes have been. 

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

Dr. Scantlebury mentioned 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 response to Dr. Scantlebury. The physician testified that Younger Dolph died a murder of gunshot wounds. 

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

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

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

Evans claimed that Smith’s authentic lawyer received $50,000 to symbolize him within the case. Smith admitted that cash got here from CMG, the report label of Yo Gotti and Huge Jook. “There isn’t any query that that cash was for providers rendered, for killing Dolph,” Evans mentioned. The protection lawyer mentioned that Smith’s aware didn’t hassle him when he received the cash to retain an lawyer. “You did not assume 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 would not know if Johnson was ever paid for the hit on Younger Dolph.  

Evans claimed that Smith received 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 variation 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, “Lower (Johnson) unfastened and take Jook and (Govan) down with (Smith).” Smith admitted to not getting that letter straight from Johnson and never seeing Johnson write the letter. 

Smith met with prosecutors in August. “So, as we speak, 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 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 taking pictures.” Smith testified that he informed Govan that he was going to enter the yard and wipe the automobile down. In accordance with Evans, Smith by no means informed 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 concerning the $800 he was allegedly given after the taking pictures. The protection lawyer clarified that Smith testified that Johnson hand delivered a letter with $500. Smith mentioned 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 bear in mind the small print concerning the alleged funds as a result of was mendacity. 

Evans requested Smith if he mentioned that he might “rise 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 informed his sisters a unique story after his arrest in 2022. In accordance with 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 completed in my life…That is the one means I can’t 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 received 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 making an attempt to “communicate 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 just 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 lawyer. The protection lawyer 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 the intention 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 “in search of 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 making an attempt to run recreation on no one.” 

Through the taking pictures at Makeda’s Home made Butter Cookies, Smith mentioned that Johnson received scraped on the again by a bullet fired by Younger Dolph’s brother. Smith mentioned that might care was completed on Johnson after the taking pictures. Evans mentioned that Smith initially informed 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 frightened concerning the wounds he suffered. In accordance with Smith, Johnson informed him that he was hit within the shootout at Makeda’s. 

Evans then questioned Smith concerning the deal between Johnson and Huge Jook. In accordance with Evans, Smith informed investigators he “thought” Johnson had the identical deal. The protection lawyer 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 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 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 lawyer. Prosecutor Paul Hagerman then requested Smith if he ever informed 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 dwelling free and that he knew he was going to jail for his position in Younger Dolph’s loss of life. 

Smith mentioned 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 expenses 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 taking pictures into the window of Makeda’s Home made 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 trying to get Johnson a cope with CMG, the report label of Yo Gotti and Huge Jook. Smith mentioned that he used to purchase medication from Govan. 

Smith knew Johnson for “a number of months” earlier than the taking pictures, he testified. In accordance with Smith, he and Johnson knew that Huge Jook had a “hit on Dolph’s head.” Smith mentioned that Govan informed them about that $100,000 hit. Each Smith and Johnson agreed to do the hit, he testified. Smith mentioned that each he and Johnson have been going to present 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 taking pictures, 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 report label, Paper Route Empire, held these Thanksgiving meals drives yearly. Smith mentioned that when Johnson picked him up on the day of the taking pictures 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 have been driving. “We have 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 Home made Butter Cookies. Smith mentioned 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 mentioned. 

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

After the taking pictures, Younger Dolph’s brother may be seen on video working 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 taking pictures and went again to Bradley Avenue. The 2 switched vehicles and Facetimed Huge 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 Huge Jook know that the hit had been carried out. 

In accordance with Smith, he and Johnson additionally spoke to Govan after taking pictures Younger Dolph. Smith mentioned that Govan informed 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 dwelling, 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 sporting  garments just like recognized images of Johnson taken earlier within the day earlier than the taking pictures. Smith mentioned, as soon as contained in the condo advanced, Smith used a “wound package” to scrub up.  

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

Smith mentioned that Johnson deliberate to get the cash from Huge Jook whereas he went to retrieve his cellphone and get some capsules. When Smith met Govan to get his cellphone again, Smith mentioned that Govan heard that one in every of them had been shot, that blood belonging to one in every of 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 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 at the back of Expedition. Smith mentioned he by no means noticed the weapons once more and nobody ever informed 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 an expert 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 taking pictures, he testified. In accordance with Smith, Johnson mentioned that Huge Jook mentioned it was “too sizzling” to present them the cash instantly following the taking pictures. Smith and Huge Jook had solely met one time, he mentioned. In accordance with Smith, he, Govan and Huge Jook met at Huge Jook’s dwelling. Younger Dolph’s homicide was mentioned at that assembly, Smith mentioned. In accordance with Smith, he and Govan had a dialog concerning the hit previous to the assembly with Huge Jook. It was Govan, in response to Smith, that put Smith and Johnson collectively to hold out the hit. 

Smith mentioned that, whereas making an attempt to speak with Johnson about cash following the homicide, he finally found that he was speaking with Jamarcus Johnson, Justin Johnson’s half-brother. In accordance with Smith, he was finally paid a complete of $800 and given a letter saying that Huge Jook suggested them to develop an excellent 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, a number of weeks earlier than Younger Dolph was murdered. In one other photograph, Smith recognized Johnson sporting 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 taking pictures. Smith additionally recognized Huge 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 concerning the absence of Cornelius Smith, the second alleged gunman, and the investigation into Yo Gotti’s brother Huge 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 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 may be seen on surveillance video getting out of the facet of Younger Dolph’s automobile. 

Prosecutor Paul Hagerman requested the pinnacle of safety questions concerning the heightened safety when it got here to Huge Jook, brother of Yo Gotti, and members of their report 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 lawyer 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 some extent within the highway 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 satisfy Huge Jook. Evans claimed it was at that assembly that Johnson determined, “I am not going to go your means” and break 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 means dwelling to Memphis. 

The protection lawyer additionally attacked the credibility of Cornelius Smith, the second alleged gunman at Makeda’s Home made 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 legislation enforcement to attempt to “save himself.” 

“Mr. Johnson sits earlier than you harmless and he’ll stay that means as a result of on the conclusion of this case, as soon as you have 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 “comparable doesn’t suggest the identical for mass produced objects.” 

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 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 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 type the realm. Hagerman claimed that their cell telephones put them within the areas of the scenes. 

Cornelius Smith was shot throughout the taking pictures, in response to 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 Flats.  That is the place they tried to bandage Smith’s wounds and Johnson modified garments, in response to 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 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 Huge Jook, the brother of famed Memphis rapper Yo Gotti and a part of Gotti’s report label CMG, put out a “hit” on Younger Dolph, promising $100,000 to whoever killed Younger Dolph who famously had animosity with CMG. 

“Huge 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 mentioned. “He has met with Justin (Johnson). He has met with Cornelius (Smith) and so they assume they’re able to do it.” 

RELATED: Yo Gotti’s brother ‘Huge Jook’ killed in taking pictures outdoors Memphis restaurant, police verify

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

The assistant district lawyer claimed it was Johnson who drove the white Mercedes to Makeda’s Home made Butter Cookies on the day Dolph was killed. Hagerman mentioned 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 photograph, the person he claimed to be Johnson is sporting an outfit just like the gunmen seen within the images from Makeda’s Home made 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 may do away with weapons. You may wipe down vehicles. You may disappear in neighborhoods. However 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 is not 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 in opposition to him, FOX13’s Jeremy Pierre stories. 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 lawyer argued that intense media protection and social media consideration would make it exhausting to seat a jury from Memphis.

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

Younger Dolph’s household issued an announcement over the weekend expressing “their hope for justice.” The total assertion — issued via the legislation agency DR and Associates — is under:

“Because the trial approaches on Monday, September 23, 2024, for these accused within the tragic loss of life of Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., recognized to tens of millions as Younger Dolph, his household needs to specific their hope for justice.

‘We stay heartbroken over the lack of Adolph, and we have now 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 group has given us energy as we proceed to course of this example.’

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 can be offered when applicable, in addition to a press convention to be held on the trial’s conclusion. Additional particulars can 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 lots of the accused males will face that jury. FOX13 obtained conflicting info over who can 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 Home made Cookies on Nov. 17, 2021.

RELATED: All the things we all know concerning the homicide of Younger Dolph, arrests and courtroom instances

Final 12 months, Jermarcus Johnson pleaded responsible to accent after the actual fact. He is not straight 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 Legal professional’s Workplace informed FOX13 the one trial set to start out Monday in Memphis could 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 lawyer argued that intense media protection and social media consideration would make it exhausting to seat a jury from Memphis.

RELATED: Younger Dolph homicide suspect begins trial on Monday

On Friday, the workplace despatched one other electronic mail saying it might 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.