One of the individuals convicted of the 2021 murder of American musician Young Dolph received a life sentence.
The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office stated on Thursday, September 26, that Justin Johnson had been found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to conduct first-degree murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Co-defendant Cornelius Smith said during the four-day trial that he and Johnson received offers of $40,000 apiece to shoot the rapper.
Smith disclosed that Hernandez Govan was the primary offender responsible for planning the “hit”. Smith claims he was carrying out Big Jook’s (Anthony Mims), the brother of Memphis rapper Yo Gotti, instructions.
Mims was supposedly expected to reimburse Govan $10,000 for the homicide. In January, Mims was shot and killed in Memphis; thus yet, no one has been taken into custody in relation to his passing.
Carlissa Thornton, Young Dolph’s sister, made an emotional statement to the media after the verdict.
“On November 17, 2021, our lives changed forever. A son, a father, a brother, a friend, a businessman, a music artist, a philanthropist, and life partner are among just some of the titles that my brother Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. held. Titles that have now left a missing piece in the lives of so many. I want to thank the jury for their service and decision in this case to bring us one step closer to justice for our family, friends, supporters, and the community that has supported us during this time,” she said.
“We ask that instead of focusing on those who committed this crime, you focus on that man that Adolph Robert Thornton was… We ask you to remember the man who enjoyed being a father and spending time with his family. We ask that you remember the man who enjoyed giving opportunities to those who were often overlooked and counted out,” Thornton added.
