Young Dolph, a prominent independent rapper and entrepreneur, was fatally shot on November 17, 2021, in Memphis, Tennessee. The incident occurred at Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies on Airways Boulevard while the artist was in town for a community charity event. As of late 2024 and 2025, the legal system has reached significant conclusions regarding the perpetrators, revealing a complex web of industry rivalries and murder-for-hire plots. Justin Johnson was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, while Hernandez Govan, initially accused of orchestrating the hit, was found not guilty in August 2025.

The Events of November 17, 2021, in South Memphis

Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., known professionally as Young Dolph, was 36 years old at the time of his death. Known for his fierce independence in the music industry and his dedication to his hometown, his presence in Memphis on that Wednesday was motivated by a Thanksgiving tradition: giving away turkeys to families in need at the St. James Missionary Baptist Church.

Around 1:00 PM, Dolph stopped at Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies, a local business he frequently promoted. Surveillance footage captured a white Mercedes-Benz pulling into the bakery’s parking lot. Two masked gunmen exited the vehicle, armed with a handgun and a semi-automatic rifle. Within seconds, they opened fire through the storefront window.

The autopsy report later revealed that Young Dolph was struck 22 times. The wounds were concentrated on his back, chest, and abdomen. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooters fled in the Mercedes, sparking a multi-agency manhunt that would last for months and captivate the global hip-hop community.

Industry Rivalry as the Primary Motive

The investigation into the death of Young Dolph quickly centered on a long-standing and well-documented feud between two rival record labels based in Memphis: Paper Route Empire (PRE), founded by Dolph, and Collective Music Group (CMG), founded by fellow rapper Yo Gotti.

The Refusal to Sign

The roots of the conflict date back several years. According to industry reports and legal testimonies, Yo Gotti had multiple times attempted to sign Young Dolph to his label. Dolph consistently refused, opting to maintain his independence and build PRE into a powerhouse. This decision was not merely financial; it was a statement of autonomy that Dolph often highlighted in his lyrics.

The Diss Tracks

The tension escalated through "diss tracks," a staple of hip-hop culture that, in this instance, had real-world consequences. Dolph’s 2017 track "Play Wit Yo’ Bitch" was a direct attack on Yo Gotti. In response, Gotti-affiliated artists released their own rebuttals. The rivalry had previously turned violent; in 2017, Dolph’s SUV was targeted in Charlotte, North Carolina, where over 100 rounds were fired (the vehicle was bulletproof, and he escaped unharmed). Later that year, he was shot and critically injured outside a Los Angeles hotel.

The $100,000 Bounty

During the 2024 trial of Justin Johnson, prosecutors introduced evidence of a "hit" placed on Young Dolph. Testimony from Cornelius Smith, a co-defendant who turned state's witness, alleged that Anthony "Big Jook" Mims—the brother of Yo Gotti and a high-ranking executive at CMG—had placed a $100,000 bounty on Dolph’s head. Furthermore, smaller bounties were reportedly placed on any artist signed to Paper Route Empire.

The Trial of Justin Johnson: Conviction and Sentencing

In September 2024, the trial of Justin Johnson (also known by his rap name "Straight Drop") began in Shelby County. Johnson was identified as one of the two gunmen who entered the cookie shop.

Evidence Presented

The prosecution built a "mountain of circumstantial and direct evidence" against Johnson:

  • Surveillance Video: Footage showed a man in specific clothing (a grey tracksuit) shooting into the bakery. Later, photos on Johnson’s social media showed him wearing the exact same outfit on the day of the murder.
  • Cell Phone Data: GPS tracking placed Johnson’s phone at the scene of the crime and tracked his movement along with the getaway vehicle.
  • Phone Calls: Records showed a call between Johnson and Big Jook immediately after the shooting, which prosecutors argued was a confirmation of the "successful" hit.

The Verdict

On September 26, 2024, after less than four hours of deliberation, the jury found Justin Johnson guilty on all counts:

  1. First-degree murder.
  2. Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
  3. Being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Judge Jennifer Mitchell immediately sentenced him to life in prison for the murder charge. In November 2024, an additional 35 years were added to his sentence for the conspiracy and firearm convictions. The prosecution described the act as a "stone-cold execution" driven by a desire for money and "clout" in the rap industry.

The Role of Cornelius Smith and State Testimony

Cornelius Smith Jr. admitted to being the second shooter. His testimony was the lynchpin of the prosecution’s case against both Johnson and other conspirators.

Smith testified that he was motivated by the $100,000 payout promised by Big Jook. He claimed that he and Johnson did not specifically plan to kill Dolph at the cookie shop that morning; rather, they were "looking for someone" associated with PRE during the turkey giveaway and happened to spot Dolph’s distinctive camouflage-wrapped Corvette.

Smith described the frantic moments following the shooting, including the disposal of the getaway car and the attempt to collect the bounty money. He revealed that he had only received about $800 before his arrest, though he claimed his legal fees were later partially covered by unknown associates linked to the hit.

The Hernandez Govan Trial and Not Guilty Verdict

Hernandez Govan was initially identified by police as the "mastermind" who organized the killing. Prosecutors alleged that Govan acted as the middleman, facilitating the communication between Big Jook (the financier) and the shooters (Johnson and Smith).

However, in a significant legal turn in August 2025, a Memphis jury found Hernandez Govan not guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy.

Why was Govan acquitted?

The defense argued that the prosecution's case relied too heavily on the testimony of Cornelius Smith, whom they characterized as an unreliable witness willing to say anything for a lighter sentence. Defense attorney Manny Arora pointed out several inconsistencies:

  • Lack of Direct Communication: While there were phone logs between Govan and the shooters, the defense argued that none of the recorded content directly incriminated Govan in a murder plot.
  • The FBI Informant Claim: During the trial, it emerged that Govan may have had a history of working with federal authorities, which the defense used to cast doubt on his involvement in a criminal conspiracy of this nature.
  • Alternative Suspects: The defense suggested that the shooters might have dealt directly with Big Jook or other associates, bypassing Govan entirely.

The jury deliberated for three hours before returning the not-guilty verdict, allowing Govan to walk free.

The Fate of Other Key Figures

The legal fallout extended beyond the primary shooters and organizers:

Anthony "Big Jook" Mims

While heavily implicated in testimonies as the man who ordered the hit, Big Jook never faced trial for the death of Young Dolph. In January 2024, Big Jook was shot and killed outside a restaurant in Memphis. His death was viewed by many as a continuation of the cycle of violence surrounding the PRE-CMG rivalry, though no suspects have been officially convicted of his murder in connection to the Dolph case.

Jemarcus Johnson

The half-brother of Justin Johnson, Jemarcus Johnson, pleaded guilty in June 2023 to three counts of serving as an accessory after the fact. He admitted to helping the shooters communicate and hide while they were on the run from the police. His cooperation was part of a plea deal, though his sentencing was delayed pending the outcome of the other trials.

Why did Young Dolph stay in Memphis?

A recurring question during the investigations and public discourse was why a multimillionaire artist like Young Dolph continued to visit high-risk areas in Memphis despite known threats.

Dolph’s brand was built on "staying true to the streets." He frequently spoke about the importance of reinvesting in the neighborhood that raised him (Castalia Heights). His presence at the turkey giveaway and Makeda’s Cookies was part of a conscious effort to remain accessible to his fans and community. His partner, Mia Jaye, and his family have since launched several initiatives to combat gun violence in the city, emphasizing that his commitment to Memphis should not have resulted in his death.

Who killed Young Dolph?

To summarize the legal findings:

  • Justin Johnson: Convicted shooter (Life + 35 years).
  • Cornelius Smith: Self-admitted shooter (Pending sentencing/trial).
  • Hernandez Govan: Accused organizer (Found Not Guilty).
  • Big Jook: Accused financier (Deceased/Murdered).

The court system has established that Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith carried out the physical act, motivated by a murder-for-hire contract stemming from label rivalries.

What is the legacy of Paper Route Empire?

Following Dolph’s death, the leadership of Paper Route Empire fell to his close associates and his cousin-in-law, Key Glock. The label has continued to release posthumous projects, including Paper Route Frank, which performed well on the Billboard charts. The label remains a symbol of independent success in an industry dominated by major corporations, fulfilling Dolph's vision of a self-sustaining musical empire.

Summary of the Investigation

The death of Young Dolph was not a random act of violence but a calculated assassination born from a deep-seated rivalry in the Memphis rap scene. The 2024 conviction of Justin Johnson provided a degree of closure for the family, confirming the details of the $100,000 bounty and the involvement of rival label figures. However, the acquittal of Hernandez Govan in 2025 highlights the difficulties the legal system faces when dealing with complex conspiracy charges and reliance on co-defendant testimonies. Today, Young Dolph is remembered as a pioneer of independent hip-hop and a dedicated philanthropist whose impact on Memphis culture remains profound.

FAQ: Common Questions Regarding the Young Dolph Case

How many times was Young Dolph shot?

According to the Shelby County Medical Examiner’s report, Young Dolph was shot 22 times. The wounds were found on his head, neck, back, and torso, indicating a targeted and aggressive attack.

Is Makeda’s Cookies still open?

The original location on Airways Boulevard where the shooting occurred remained closed for a significant period and eventually became a memorial site for fans. The owners of Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies continue to operate other locations in Memphis, though the site of the tragedy remains a somber landmark in the city.

What happened to the white Mercedes used in the shooting?

The getaway vehicle, a stolen white Mercedes-Benz, was found abandoned in a residential area of North Memphis a few days after the shooting. Forensic evidence found inside the car, including DNA and fingerprints (specifically those of Cornelius Smith), was instrumental in identifying the suspects.

Was Yo Gotti ever charged?

No. While his brother, Big Jook, was frequently mentioned in court as the person who ordered the hit, Yo Gotti himself has never been charged or officially named as a suspect in the murder of Young Dolph.

When was the final verdict reached?

The most recent major legal development was the acquittal of Hernandez Govan on August 21, 2025. This followed the September 2024 conviction of the primary shooter, Justin Johnson.

How much was the bounty on Young Dolph?

Testimonies from the trial revealed that a $100,000 bounty was placed on Young Dolph by Anthony "Big Jook" Mims. Additionally, bounties were allegedly placed on other members of the Paper Route Empire label.