The murder trial for the killing of rapper Young Dolph has officially begun. Hernandez Govan, Justin Johnson, and Cornelius Smith, the three men charged with his murder, appeared in court on Monday morning as their trial commenced. During the proceedings, attorneys presented security footage from the day of the shooting, showing the tragic moment when Young Dolph was ambushed and killed. The Memphis rapper, who was 26 at the time, was gunned down after stopping by Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies, where a group of gunmen attacked him from behind.
In the opening statements, Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman accused Big Jook, the late number two at CMG, of orchestrating a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph. “Big Jook, the person I told you about before, the number two guy at CMG, he’s put out a hit, a hit, $100,000 to whoever kills Dolph,” Hagerman said, as reported by Fox 13’s Jeremy Pierre. “He has met with Justin (Johnson). He has met with Cornelius (Smith), and they think they’re ready to do it.”
Hagerman further argued that Johnson was not only motivated by money but also by a desire to become the next big artist on Yo Gotti’s record label, CMG. The prosecution’s claims have added another layer of complexity to the case, as the trial continues with more evidence and testimonies expected in the coming days.
The released security footage from the murder of Young Dolph has gone viral, adding to the intense public attention surrounding the trial.