Live: Jury deliberates charges in trial of man accused of plotting Young Dolph's murder
The trial, which started Aug. 18, began nearly four years after Young Dolph was killed inside a cookie shop in Memphis.
Aug. 20 saw the prosecution and defense rest and deliver closing statements. The jury also began deliberations. You can catch up on that testimony in this live blog.
Aug. 19 saw multiple law enforcement witnesses testify, with prosecutors trying to link texts to Govan's involvement with Young Dolph's killing. Defense attorneys, meanwhile, tried to illustrate a wider conspiracy against artists with Dolph's music label. You can catch up on that testimony in this live blog.
Aug. 18 saw testimony from a Memphis police sergeant, a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation special agent and Cornelius Smith's girlfriend. Smith was one of the two alleged gunmen who officials say shot and killed the Memphis rapper in November 2021. You can catch up on that testimony in this live blog.
Follow here for live updates as the fourth day of the trial gets underway.
Key takeaways from Hernandez Govan's trial
Throughout the early parts of the case, prosecutors tried to tie Govan directly to paying out the bounty that was on Young Dolph's head.
According to testimony by Cornelius Smith, one of the self-admitted shooters who killed Young Dolph, Govan and Big Jook, Yo Gotti's brother, said there were various bounties on members of Dolph's music label. Those bounties included Dolph himself, who had a $100,000 bounty.
Smith's testimony never pointed to a thought-out plan made by anyone charged with Young Dolph's murder, but he did explain how things were covered up and cleaned up after the shooting. Among the cleanup was hiding the white Mercedes-Benz that was driven to and from Makeda's Homemade Butter Cookies after Young Dolph was shot.
Smith testified that Govan directed him, and provided him money for, a vehicle cover that would help hide the car.
He also said Govan was the only person with access to Big Jook. Because nobody else could contact Big Jook, Smith said nobody could ask for the money from the Dolph murder. Smith added that Govan told him there would be a meeting with Big Jook at Privé to get the payment.
Privé is Yo Gotti's Memphis restaurant and bar.
Texts between Justin Johnson and other people affiliated with Collective Music Group also showed that there were other shootings planned. Some of those shootings were against Paper Route Empire artists, and attorneys even displayed just how close to shooting Paper Route Empire's turkey drive they were.
It was previously known that the turkey drive was a target, but during Govan's trial, prosecutors said Justin Johnson, Cornelius Smith and others arrived at the turkey drive armed and ready to shoot. The incident was called off, though, after Smith allegedly had second thoughts.
What happened to Young Dolph?
Young Dolph, born Adolph Thornton Jr., was killed inside Makeda's Homemade Butter Cookies along Airways Boulevard on Nov. 17, 2021.
Police said two men got out of a car, armed with guns, and fired multiple shots into the cookie store. Young Dolph was killed at the scene.
An autopsy report found that Young Dolph had at least 20 bullet wounds.
Mourners quickly flocked to Makeda's, turning the boarded-up storefront into a memorial site for the Memphis rapper.
Questions about why the rapper was killed have abounded since his death. During the trial for Justin Johnson, who was convicted of shooting and killing the rapper, prosecutors tied Young Dolph's killing to a rap beef with Yo Gotti. According to prosecutors, Young Dolph's murder was set up by Yo Gotti's brother, Big Jook.
Big Jook was later killed in Memphis.
Lucas Finton covers crime, policing, jails, the courts and criminal justice policy for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by phone or email: (901)208-3922 and Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com, and followed on X @LucasFinton.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Live: Jury deliberations for man accused of plotting Young Dolph murder
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CBS News
2 hours ago
- CBS News
Hernandez Govan found not guilty in ambush killing of rapper Young Dolph
A man on trial for organizing the ambush killing of rapper Young Dolph at a Memphis bakery in 2021 has been found not guilty. A Memphis jury deliberated about three hours before finding Hernandez Govan, 45, not guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. He rejected an offer from the state last month to settle with a guilty plea, CBS News affiliate WREG reported. On Thursday, Govan hugged his lawyer and thanked Shelby County Judge Jennifer Mitchell after she told him he was free to go. Govan was not accused of shooting Young Dolph, but prosecutors claimed he directed the two people who did. The jury was not convinced, however, despite a man's testimony that Govan hired him to "do the hits" and was going to take $10,000 as his cut. Govan's lawyer questioned the quality of the police investigation and the validity of cellphone communications between Govan and the men who shot Dolph, arguing that nothing in the communications directly incriminated Govan or tied him to the killings. Young Dolph, whose legal name is Adolph Thornton Jr., was a rapper, independent label owner and producer who grew up in Memphis and was admired in the city for his charitable works. On the day of the 2021 ambush, the 36-year-old was in his hometown to hand out Thanksgiving turkeys to families when his visit to his favorite cookie shop turned into an attack that shocked the entertainment world. Authorities said two men exited a white Mercedes-Benz and began shooting at the rapper at the bakery. He died after being shot about 20 times, according to a medical examiner's report. Four years earlier, Young Dolph suffered critical injuries in a 2017 attack, when three men approached and shot him over "beef," according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Earlier that same year, he had been involved in a separate shooting where at least 100 bullets were fired at his SUV. Testifying against Govan was Cornelius Smith Jr., who has admitted to being one of the two shooters who ambushed Young Dolph. Smith previously was the main witness against Justin Johnson, who was convicted of first-degree murder in 2024 after Smith named him as the second shooter. Smith faces charges for murder and conspiracy to commit murder for his alleged role in Young Dolph's death. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and does not currently have a trial date set. Johnson was originally sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole following his 2024 conviction, plus an additional 35 years for two additional convictions from his trial. Memphis prosecutors have portrayed Young Dolph's killing as part of an effort by Anthony "Big Jook" Mims to get revenge on Young Dolph for diss tracks aimed at Big Jook and the record label he helped run for his brother, rapper Yo Gotti. Smith has testified that Big Jook put out a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph as well as smaller bounties on all the artists at Young Dolph's record label, Paper Route Empire. At Johnson's earlier trial, a prosecutor told jurors Cocaine Muzik Group (now known as Collective Music Group), a rival record label founded by Yo Gotti, wanted Young Dolph to work for them, but he turned them down. Big Jook was shot and killed outside a restaurant in January 2024. Smith testified Monday that "I didn't know anything about Paper Route having no hits," before Govan told him about them. He said Govan hired him to "do the hits," including giving Smith guns for the killing, and was going to take $10,000 as his cut. Govan was also the person who told him and Johnson that Young Dolph would be in Memphis for the Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, so "that's our opportunity," Smith said. Prosecutors introduced as evidence dozens of cellphone communications between Johnson, Smith, Govan and Big Jook ahead of the shooting. Meanwhile, Govan's defense attorney, Manny Arora, tried to paint Smith as an unreliable witness who would say anything to try to get a lighter sentence. Arora pointed to previous testimony where Smith recalled a chance encounter with Big Jook. At the time, Smith implied that Big Jook was the person who hired him. After Smith was arrested, his attorney called Big Jook's attorney and received somewhere between $38,000 and $50,000 in cash. Smith said on Monday that he did not know who had supplied the money. Smith also testified that he previously heard that Govan might be working with the FBI. Arora asked why Smith would take a job from Govan if that were the case. Smith said Govan was "innocent until proven guilty." Govan did not testify in his defense. Smith is charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder but has pleaded not guilty and does not yet have a trial date. Johnson was sentenced last September to life in prison with the possibility of parole. He was later sentenced for two other convictions from the trial: conspiracy to commit murder and being a felon in possession of a gun.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Jury acquits Memphis man charged with organizing the daytime ambush killing of rapper Young Dolph
Rapper Killed Young Dolph MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A jury found a man not guilty Thursday of organizing the daytime ambush killing of rapper Young Dolph at a Memphis bakery in November 2021. A Memphis jury deliberated about three hours before finding Hernandez Govan, 45, not guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Govan hugged his lawyer and thanked Shelby County Judge Jennifer Mitchell after she told him he was free to go. Govan was not accused of shooting Young Dolph, but prosecutors claimed he directed the two people who did. The jury was not convinced, however, despite a man's testimony that Govan hired him to 'do the hits' and was going to take $10,000 as his cut. Govan's lawyer questioned the quality of the police investigation and the validity of cellphone communications between Govan and the men who shot Young Dolph, arguing that nothing in the communications directly incriminated Govan or tied him to the killings. 'Thankfully the jurors listened, they saw the holes in the case,' said Manny Arora, Govan's lawyer. Young Dolph's killing rattled Memphis Young Dolph, whose legal name is Adolph Thornton Jr., was a rapper, independent label owner and producer who grew up in Memphis and was admired in the city for his charitable works. The 36-year-old was in his hometown to hand out Thanksgiving turkeys to families when his visit to his favorite cookie shop turned into an attack that shocked Memphis and the entertainment world. Authorities said two men exited a white Mercedes Benz and began shooting at the rapper at the bakery. He died after being shot about 20 times, according to a medical examiner's report. After the killing, the bakery, Makeda's Homemade Cookies, turned into a memorial to Young Dolph. He also was honored at a Memphis Grizzlies game and the city named a street after him. Murals of the rapper were painted around the city. Testifying against Govan was Cornelius Smith Jr., who has admitted to being one of the two shooters who ambushed Young Dolph. Smith previously was the main witness against Justin Johnson, who was convicted of first-degree murder in 2024 after Smith named him as the second shooter. Testimony describes rivalry in the Memphis rap world Prosecutors the killing as part an effort by Anthony 'Big Jook' Mims to get revenge on Young Dolph for diss tracks aimed at Big Jook and the record label he helped run for his brother, rapper Yo Gotti. Smith has testified that Big Jook put out a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph as well as smaller bounties on all the artists at Young Dolph's record label, Paper Route Empire. At the earlier trial of Justin Johnson, a prosecutor told jurors Cocaine Muzik Group (now known as Collective Music Group), a rival record label founded by Yo Gotti, wanted Young Dolph to work for them, but he turned them down. Big Jook was shot and killed outside a restaurant in January 2024. No arrests have been made in his death and he was never charged in Young Dolph's killing. Smith testified that 'I didn't know anything about Paper Route having no hits,' before Govan told him about them. He said Govan hired him to 'do the hits,' including giving Smith guns for the killing, and was going to take $10,000 as his cut. Govan was also the person who told him and Johnson that Young Dolph would be in Memphis for the Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, so 'that's our opportunity,' Smith said. Prosecutors introduced as evidence dozens of cellphone communications between Johnson, Smith, Govan and Big Jook ahead of the shooting. Defense attorney casts doubts on the case Meanwhile, Govan's defense attorney, Manny Arora, painted Smith as an unreliable witness and a 'pathological liar' who would say anything to try to get a lighter sentence. Arora pointed to previous testimony where Smith recalled a chance encounter with Big Jook. At the time, Smith implied Big Jook was the person who hired him. After Smith was arrested, his attorney called Big Jook's attorney and received somewhere between $38,000 and $50,000 in cash. Smith said on Monday that he did not know who had supplied the money. Smith also testified he previously heard that Govan might be working with the FBI. Arora asked why Smith would take a job from Govan if that were the case. Smith said Govan was 'innocent until proven guilty.' 'None of you would buy a pack of gum based on the word of Cornelius Smith,' Arora told the jury during closing arguments. Smith is charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder. He has pleaded not guilty and does not yet have a trial date. Arora also questioned why Big Jook was not investigated more closely and cast doubts on the cellphone communications used as evidence at trial. He called a police investigator a liar during closing arguments and said that just because prosecutors have communications involving Govan, it 'doesn't mean you're in a conspiracy to kill someone.' Johnson was sentenced last September to life in prison with the possibility of parole. He was later sentenced for two other convictions from the trial: conspiracy to commit murder and being a felon in possession of a gun. Young Dolph began his career by releasing numerous mixtapes. His studio albums include his 2016 debut, 'King of Memphis.' He also collaborated on other mixtapes and albums with fellow rappers Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, T.I., Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and others. Young Dolph had three albums reach the top 10 on the Billboard 200, with 2020′s 'Rich Slave' peaking at No. 4.
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Young Dolph Murder Verdict: Memphis Man Found Not Guilty in Rapper's Death
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A Memphis jury on Thursday found Hernandez Govan not guilty of organizing the 2021 ambush killing of rapper Young Dolph, rejecting prosecutors' claims that he directed the fatal attack outside a local bakery. The jury deliberated for about three hours before acquitting the 45-year-old of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges. Govan, who was accused of orchestrating but not carrying out the shooting, embraced his attorney and thanked Judge Jennifer Mitchell after learning he was free to go. Young Dolph performs at The Parking Lot Concert in Atlanta on Aug. 23, 2020. Inset: Hernandez Govan, accused of orchestrating the killing of rapper Young Dolph, takes the stand to state that he will not... Young Dolph performs at The Parking Lot Concert in Atlanta on Aug. 23, 2020. Inset: Hernandez Govan, accused of orchestrating the killing of rapper Young Dolph, takes the stand to state that he will not testify on his own behalf during his trial in Memphis, Tenn., Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. More Associated Press Prosecutors alleged that Govan instructed two men to kill Young Dolph, born Adolph Thornton Jr., and that he planned to take a $10,000 cut from the job. The state leaned heavily on testimony from admitted gunman Cornelius Smith Jr., who claimed Govan supplied weapons and tipped them off about the rapper's Memphis visit for a Thanksgiving charity giveaway. Investigators also presented phone records linking Govan to the shooters and to Anthony "Big Jook" Mims, the late music executive alleged to have ordered a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph. The defense countered that the police investigation was flawed and that the communications lacked direct evidence tying Govan to the murder. Defense lawyer Manny Arora cast Smith as an unreliable witness who had previously shifted his story, at one point suggesting Big Jook himself arranged the hit. Arora noted Smith's financial ties to Big Jook's circle, including tens of thousands in cash funneled to his lawyer, and argued that his testimony was inconsistent and self-serving. Govan chose not to testify in his own defense. Young Dolph, a 36-year-old Memphis native known both for his independent music career and community philanthropy, was gunned down in November 2021 while buying cookies at a local shop. Authorities said two men fired more than 20 shots into the bakery, killing him instantly. Smith, who admitted being one of the shooters, still faces murder and conspiracy charges, while his co-defendant Justin Johnson was convicted in 2024 and sentenced to life in prison. The case, which prosecutors tied to long-running tensions between Young Dolph and rivals connected to Yo Gotti's label, continues to reverberate through Memphis' music scene. This article includes reporting by the Associated Press. This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.
