In a significant development, another man has pleaded guilty in connection with the tragic shooting death of Memphis rapper Young Dolph. Cornelius Smith Jr. entered his plea to second-degree murder on Friday, May 15th, just over two years after another shooter in the case received a life sentence. This plea marks the final legal chapter in the investigation into the rapper’s untimely demise.
A Plea Deal and Prison Sentence
As part of his plea agreement, Smith, 36, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. This resolution brings a close to the legal proceedings stemming from the November 2021 incident. Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., was fatally shot while visiting his hometown of Memphis to participate in a Thanksgiving turkey drive.
Authorities stated that both Smith and another accused shooter, Justin Johnson, exited a white Mercedes-Benz and fired numerous rounds at the 36-year-old artist outside Makeda’s Homemade Cookies. Tragically, 20 of those bullets struck Young Dolph. His death sent shockwaves through the music community and beyond, especially following a year that had already seen the loss of other prominent artists like DMX, Biz Markie, and Drakeo the Ruler.
Testimony and Alleged Motive
Interestingly, Smith also played a crucial role as a witness in the trial of Justin Johnson. During his testimony, Smith identified Johnson as the second shooter. Johnson was subsequently convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and illegal possession of a firearm as a felon. Prosecutors have pointed to a revenge plot as the motive, allegedly orchestrated by Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, who ran a rival record label.
According to Smith’s account in court, Mims had offered a $100,000 bounty for Young Dolph’s murder. Hernandez Govan was also charged in connection with the murder but was ultimately found not guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges. Mims himself was killed in 2024 and was never formally charged in relation to Young Dolph’s death.
What are your thoughts on this case concluding? Share your reactions in the comments below.
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