A dramatic testimony unfolded in Memphis on Monday as Cornelius Smith admitted he and another individual were responsible for the fatal shooting of rapper Young Dolph, an act allegedly instigated by Big Jook, the brother of fellow rapper Yo Gotti.
Cornelius Smith took the stand during the opening day of Justin Johnson’s trial, identifying himself and Johnson as the gunmen captured on November 17, 2021, surveillance footage. The video shows them exiting a white Mercedes outside a Memphis cookie store mere moments after Young Dolph entered, only to open fire in the stark light of day.
Justin Johnson faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Smith, who is also charged with murder and conspiracy, testified under intense scrutiny. Luke Evans, Johnson’s defense attorney, urged the jury to distrust Smith’s account, suggesting Smith aimed to save himself and pointing out that photographs of Johnson in similar attire did not equate to guilt.
Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman detailed how Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., fiercely pursued an independent career in music and founded his label, Paper Route Empire. Hagerman contended that this tenacity bred animosities, especially with Yo Gotti’s label, Cocaine Muzic Group, now known as Collective Music Group. Young Dolph had rebuffed collaboration offers and even released diss tracks targeting the label, its artists, and specifically Big Jook.
Young Dolph had previously narrowly escaped other attempts on his life. In September 2017, he survived being shot multiple times after a brawl outside a Los Angeles hotel. Earlier that year, his SUV was riddled with over 100 bullets in Charlotte, North Carolina, an incident that inspired his song “100 Shots.” He credited his survival to the bulletproof panels in his vehicle.
According to media reports, Anthony Mims, known as Big Jook, was fatally shot outside a restaurant in January 2024.
Smith, recounting the harrowing events, mentioned he was shot in the arm and leg by Young Dolph’s brother, Marcus Thornton, during the chaotic escape. He revealed he had received a mere $800 before his arrest and claimed Big Jook later funded his attorney with $50,000. When asked by Hagerman about his emotions post-shooting, Smith confessed, “I wasn’t feeling nothing at the time. I’m not gonna lie. I was trying to get some money.”
Smith explained that he was emotionally numb, having recently lost his young son, and had turned to pills, caring about little in his life. It was only after sobering up in jail that remorse began to gnaw at him.
In a related development, Jermarcus Johnson pleaded guilty in June 2023 to three counts of accessory after the killing, admitting to aiding Smith and Justin Johnson, his half-brother, in evading authorities and maintaining communication via cellphone. Jermarcus Johnson awaits sentencing.
Hernandez Govan, another accused, has pleaded not guilty to orchestrating the murder.
Young Dolph’s career was marked by the release of numerous mixtapes starting with “Paper Route Campaign” in 2008, and multiple studio albums including his debut “King of Memphis” in 2016. He was well-regarded in the rap world, collaborating with artists such as Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, T.I., Gucci Mane, and 2 Chainz. His album “Rich Slave” reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 in 2020, solidifying his influence in the music industry.
