Young Dolph Shooter Pleads Guilty, Concluding Murder Case

The legal proceedings surrounding the 2021 murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph have reached a definitive conclusion. Cornelius Smith Jr., who had previously admitted to his role in the shooting, entered a guilty plea on Friday to charges related to the artist’s death.

Smith pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as part of a plea agreement with Memphis prosecutors. This development arrives nearly two years after Smith testified on the witness stand, where he confessed that he and co-defendant Justin Johnson ambushed the rapper at a local bakery. Smith served as a pivotal witness during the trial of Johnson, who was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

A Final Resolution in the Young Dolph Case

Under the terms of the plea deal, Smith was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The agreement effectively resolves the charges against him, which had previously included first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and various firearm-related offenses. These more severe charges were dismissed as part of the negotiated resolution.

Smith’s cooperation extended beyond the trial of Justin Johnson; he also provided testimony in the case against Hernandez Govan, who was accused of masterminding the plot. Govan was ultimately acquitted of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges in August 2025.

District Attorney General Steve Mulroy addressed the conclusion of the case in a formal statement, noting, “Young Dolph was a beloved member of this community, his death a tragedy, his murder an outrage. We’re glad to finally have this last part of the case resolved. The sentence properly reflects the gravity of the offense while giving due consideration to the cooperation this defendant provided.”

Reflecting on a Community Loss

Deputy DA Paul Hagerman emphasized the significance of the rapper’s legacy, stating, “Smith cooperated in the prosecution and testified that he and Justin Johnson killed Dolph as part of a planned gang-related hit. Johnson was convicted as charged of all charges; his appeal has been heard and denied, and he is now serving a sentence in excess of life imprisonment.”

Hagerman added, “As a final note, Dolph was here in Memphis because it was his home, but he was also here to do what had become a tradition for him — a turkey giveaway for his neighborhood. Dolph believed in this place, he believed in his people, and he loved his family. His story is, and has always been, bigger than his death.”

With this plea, the legal chapter involving the four individuals charged in connection with the murder of Young Dolph is now closed. Jemarcus Johnson, the brother of Justin Johnson, had previously pleaded guilty to accessory charges and was sentenced to diversion and community service.