Cornelius Smith and Justin Johnson: Suspects in Young Dolph’s Murder Admit Guilt in Court Testimony

Rapper Young Dolph, born Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., tragically lost his life in November 2021 due to multiple gunshot wounds. Currently, one of the primary suspects in his murder case, Justin Johnson, is facing trial, which commenced on September 23, 2024.

During the proceedings, another suspect, Cornelius Smith, testified against Johnson, who continues to deny any involvement in the crime.

Smith confessed to Young Dolph’s murder and alleged that he was promised $100,000 by Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, the deceased brother of rapper Yo Gotti, to execute the hit.

In his testimony, Smith claimed that his accomplices included Johnson and Hernandez Govan, who he identified as the alleged mastermind behind the operation. The plan, according to Smith, involved a financial arrangement where he and Johnson would split $40,000 each, with the remainder going to Govan.

He also described the strategic planning and execution of the murder, which took place on Thanksgiving 2021.

It’s worth noting that Big Jook was killed earlier this year in Memphis.

Analyzing Cornelius Smith’s Recent Testimony in the Young Dolph Murder Case

This week, as part of the ongoing trial concerning the murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, Cornelius Smith, one of the four accused individuals, provided testimony in front of the judge. He acknowledged being responsible for the killing of the “Get Paid”rapper two years ago, acting on the orders of Anthony Mims, who allegedly offered him $100,000 for the assassination.

During his testimony, Smith revealed that Hernandez Govan first shared details about Big Jook’s plan, after which he, Govan, and Justin Johnson decided to equally distribute the payment amongst themselves.

Cornelius Smith stated that they had planned for weeks and were aware that Young Dolph would be in his hometown for his annual Thanksgiving turkey drive on November 17, 2021, an event organized by his record label, Paper Route Empire.

On the day of the murder, Smith testified that Johnson picked him up in a white Mercedes Benz, which contained firearms, including a Draco semi-automatic and a handgun. They reportedly spotted Young Dolph’s vehicle and followed him to Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies, where they circled the block and parked behind the store.

“We were like, ‘There goes Dolph right there,’ … I saw him standing by the window and just got out of the car and started shooting… I wasn’t feeling anything at the time. I’m not gonna lie. I was trying to get some money,” Smith recounted.

Furthermore, Smith claimed that they utilized “jailhouse sign language”to spell out D-O-L-P-H during a FaceTime call with Big Jook to inform him of Young Dolph’s murder. He also stated that Govan instructed them to “get rid of” the car they used, which was left on Bradley Street near Govan’s residence in the Orange Mound area, after which they switched vehicles and changed their clothes.

Smith testified that rather than receiving $40,000 as promised, he was reportedly only paid $800 for his role in the crime and was uncertain about the number of bullets he fired at Young Dolph.

During his testimony, Smith clarified that he did not receive immunity or any promises in exchange for his cooperation and knew he would face significant prison time for his confessions.

Though little is known about Cornelius Smith, he mentioned losing his 9-year-old son in 2020, which led him towards substance abuses such as ecstasy and oxycontin, along with engagement in criminal activities.

Significantly, surveillance footage was presented in court, which corroborated the incident, and Smith identified himself and Johnson as the shooters. It was also disclosed that Young Dolph’s brother, Marcus Thornton, who was present at the scene, returned fire, injuring Smith in the shoulder, arm, and leg, with a bullet grazing Johnson’s back. Nevertheless, both suspects managed to flee the scene.

Like Johnson, Smith is currently facing multiple felony charges, including murder, conspiracy, and possession of a firearm as a felon. The trial, which predominantly revolves around Justin Johnson’s involvement in Young Dolph’s murder, is ongoing as of this week, with Johnson maintaining his innocence thus far.

In related developments, Johnson’s half-brother, Jermarcus Johnson, pleaded guilty in June of last year to three counts of being an accessory after the fact and admitted to helping Smith and Justin evade law enforcement. He is now awaiting sentencing. Meanwhile, Hernandez Govan has entered a not-guilty plea regarding his alleged role as the mastermind in Young Dolph’s murder.

Source