The Dre Lockhart Show

Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was fatally shot at Makeda's Cookies on Airways Boulevard on Nov. 17, 2021.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Justin Johnson, the man charged in the death of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, has been found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and felon in possession of a firearm.

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Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Mitchell immediately sentenced Johnson to life in prison after the verdict was read.

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Beginning just after noon Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, the jury took just under four hours to deliberate Johnson's fate after the three days of testimony and then closing arguments on the fourth day. Johnson did not take the stand in his own defense.

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After the verdict, Dolph's sister, Carlissa Thornton, read a statement to the media.

"On Nov. 17, 2021, our lives changed forever. A son, a father, a brother, a friend, a businessman, a music artist, a philanthropist, and life partner are among just some of the titles that my brother Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. held. Titles that have now left a missing piece in the lives of so many. I want to thank the jury for their service and decision in this case to bring us one step closer to justice for our family, friends, supporters, and the community that has supported us during this time."

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She went on to thank the D.A.'s office, Memphis Police, and investigators for their work.

"We realize this act of violence has impacted so many outside of our family and friends. Your outpouring of love and support throughout this process does not go unnoticed. We ask that instead of focusing on those who committed this crime, you focus on that man that Adolph Robert Thornton was. Regardless of the name that you may know him as, such as Adolph, Dolph, or Young Dolph, we ask you to remember the man that enjoyed being a father and spending time with his family. We ask that you remember the man who enjoyed giving opportunities to those who were often overlooked and counted out. We ask that you remember the man who enjoyed giving back to others and being an inspiration to those who come from less than ideal backgrounds, and knowing that they are seen and can change their outcomes and the lives of others by doing something positive. We will continue to heal and keep Adolph's legacy alive."

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Here's what happened during Day 1 of the murder trial for Justin Johnson, charged with killing Memphis rapper Young Dolph

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Monday, the jury heard opening arguments and testimony from the first round of witnesses in the trial of one of the men accused of killing beloved Memphis rapper Young Dolph. 

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Dolph was shot and killed at Makeda's Cookies on airways boulevard in November 2021. 

24-year-old Justin Johnson, also known as 'Straight Drop,' pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit first degree murder, first degree murder, and a convicted felon in possession of firearm.

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Cornelius Smith Jr. and Hernandez Govan, both charged with Young Dolph’s murder, were originally set to go on trial Monday, but, according to defense attorney Luke Evans, both will be testifying against Johnson. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy would only confirm that Smith is cooperating with the state. 

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“There’s been a lot of work done by our staff at the D.A.’s office and also by law enforcement to bring the people responsible for this tragic killing to to justice,” said Mulroy.  

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Judge Jennifer Mitchell has ruled that Young Dolph’s family and certain witnesses (including Smith) can’t have their faces shown on camera, one of several safety precautions being taken.  

“The last time that I saw my brother was in September right before Labor Day,” testified Erica Thornton, Young Dolph’s sister. “So two months before he was murdered.” 

Thornton was the first to take the stand Monday. 

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Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman, lead attorney for the prosecution, argued that Dolph’s murder was the result of tension between Dolph’s record label Paper Route Empire and rival Memphis label Cocaine Muzik Group, and the diss track he wrote about CMG’s “Big Jook,” which Dolph’s long-time friend and security manager Raul “Blue” Hopkins also testified about Monday. 

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“In his rap songs, did he call out CMG and those artists?” Deputy D.A. Hagerman asked. 

“Yes sir,” Hopkins told him. 

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Hagerman said Big Jook, Yo Gotti's brother who was murdered in January 2024, put out a $100,000 hit on Dolph, which Johnson, an up-and-coming rapper, took on in order to advance his own career with CMG, which fellow murder suspect Govan was trying to get Johnson to sign with.