Two years later Young Dolph's murder trial is just getting started. Today an outside jury was brought in to Shelby County to hear the case being that the community and media coverage was on a national level.
Dolph was shot and killed on November 17, 2021, at Makeda's Homemade Butter Cookies on Airways Boulevard. The Memphis Police Department shared images of two armed suspects captured at the scene. According to authorities, the suspects arrived, got out of their vehicle, and opened fire inside the store, leading to Dolph's tragic death.
One of the suspects in Dolph’s murder, Justin “Straight Drop” Johnson, went on trial today, September 23. During his opening statement, Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman disclosed that Johnson and Cornelius Smith, the other accused gunman, had met with Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, before the shooting.
Photo: Justin Ford / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
“He placed a $100,000 hit on Dolph’s life,” Hagerman told the jury, according to Memphis’ Fox 13. Hangerman was referring to Yo Gotti's brother "Big Jook". Big Jook was shot and killed in January of this year, and authorities believe it was a targeted attack. The investigation into his murder was still active, but police had no new updates.
Johnson and Cornelius Smith are charged with first-degree murder, along with several other felony charges connected to Dolph’s death. A third suspect, Hernandez Govan, is accused of orchestrating the hit on Dolph; who was 36 years old at the time. Jemarcus Johnson has pleaded guilty to three counts of being an accessory after the murder. He is waiting to be sentenced.
It has been reported that there has been an ongoing beef between record labels. Yo Gotti's label and Dolp's label have been at odds since 2016.
The trial was originally scheduled for June 3, 2024, but was delayed after the defense requested more time for experts to review information. The trial was previously reset from March 11 to June 3, 2024.
Do you think this will be a speedy trial for Johnson? As the trial continues check back here for updates; Bulletproof Radio. Drop your comments below.