Man Convicted Of Young Dolph Murder Gets Additional 35-Years Added On Life Sentence

The man found guilty of the murder of Young Dolph has received additional sentencing. According to the Associated Press, Justin Johnson was handed an additional 35 years behind bars last week for conspiracy to commit murder and being a felon in possession of a gun, both related to the shooting.

On Sept. 26, 2024, Johnson was convicted of the first-degree murder of the popular Memphis rapper after four days and a four-hour deliberation from the jury.

“Every murder’s a tragedy, and we take them all seriously. This one generated extra public interest because Young Dolph was a prominent and beloved member of the community. We will continue to fight hard to make sure that all of those responsible for his death are brought to justice,” shared Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy in a statement at the trial’s conclusion.

The Associated Press reported Johnson’s lawyer, Luke Evans, said Johnson was manipulated by others to shoot Young Dolph and requested a new trial, arguing that the evidence was not sufficient for a conviction. Co-defendant Cornelius Smith testified that rapper Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, had put out a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph and additional calls for all the artists at Young Dolph’s record label, Paper Route Empire.

AP reported that he claimed he and Johnson were “looking for somebody” and “didn’t know who we were going to catch,” when they followed the “Get Paid” rapper to the bakery shooting Young Dolph 22 times.

Per AP, Young Dolph’s sister shared with the courtroom at sentencing, “In a world full of envy, jealousy and arrogance, many fail to realize the impact of their actions until it’s too late.”