MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee man sentenced to life in jail for daytime ambush younger rapper dolph He obtained an extra 35 years behind bars on Friday.
justin johnson was convicted of first diploma homicide on Sept. 26 and sentenced to life in jail with the opportunity of parole the identical day by Shelby County Decide Jennifer Mitchell. On Friday, he sentenced Johnson for his two different convictions from the trial: conspiracy to commit homicide and being a felon in possession of a weapon.
Younger Dolph, whose actual identify was Adolph Thornton Jr., was fatally shot in November 2021 at a Memphis bakery. Recognized for his charity work within the metropolis the place he grew up, the 36-year-old rapper and impartial music label proprietor was in Memphis handy out Thanksgiving turkeys to households when his go to to his favourite cookie store was a occasion that shocked the world of leisure.
Prosecutor Paul Hagerman famous through the sentencing listening to that Johnson, a 26-year-old aspiring rapper, had three convictions for aggravated assault earlier than the taking pictures and “didn't hesitate” to commit the murder-for-hire in a public place. Hagerman known as it a “chilly execution” motivated by cash and fame.
In an announcement learn in courtroom, the rapper's sister stated the household feels “anger, nervousness and ache” over the demise of younger Dolph, who “created a legacy that can final lengthy after this tragedy.”
“In a world stuffed with envy, jealousy and conceitedness, many don’t understand the impression of their actions till it’s too late,” the assertion stated.
Johnson's legal professional, Luke Evans, stated Johnson was manipulated by others into taking pictures younger Dolph. Evans has requested a brand new trial for Johnson, arguing that the proof offered through the trial was not ample for a conviction. Evans stated Johnson wouldn’t be eligible for parole for 50 years simply due to the homicide conviction.
In the course of the trial, the co-defendant Cornelius Smith testified that rapper Yo Gotti's brother, Anthony “Massive Jook” Mims, had gotten $100,000 for Younger Dolph, in addition to rewards for all artists on Younger Dolph's report label, Paper Route Empire. Smith stated he and Johnson We have been “in search of somebody” and “we didn’t know who we have been going to catch.”
They knew that Younger Dolph and a few of his artists have been taking part within the turkey giveaway, so that they have been heading in that course after they noticed Younger Dolph's automobile. They adopted him to the cookie retailer and opened fireplace in broad daylightSmith stated. Younger Dolph was hit 22 instances and died on the scene.
Hagerman stated trial jurors that Cocaine Muzik Group (now referred to as Collective Music Group), a rival report label based by Yo Gotti, needed Younger Dolph to work for them, however he turned them down. Younger Dolph later wrote distortion tracks aimed on the label, its artists, and its “quantity two particular person,” Massive Jook. Massive Jook was shot and killed outdoors a restaurant earlier this yr.
Along with Smith's testimony, prosecutors offered a mountain of circumstantial proof, together with surveillance cameras and Johnson's personal cellular phone.
Smith can also be charged with homicide and conspiracy to commit homicide and has pleaded not responsible. A trial date has not been set.
Evans, the protection legal professional, stated in closing arguments on the trial that Smith was mendacity and would say something to attempt to save himself. Evans additionally famous that Smith's fingerprints have been discovered on the getaway automobile, however Johnson's weren’t. And he stated there was “no proof that Justin Johnson obtained a dime,” whereas Smith testified that he obtained $800 earlier than he was arrested and that his protection legal professional later obtained one other $50,000.
Hagerman responded that the video and cellular phone proof corroborated Smith's story. They included calls between Smith and Johnson shortly earlier than the homicide and a name between Johnson and Massive Jook instantly afterward.
Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded responsible in June 2023 to a few counts of serving as an adjunct after the actual fact to homicide, admitted to serving to his half-brother and Smith talk by cellular phone whereas they have been fleeing authorities. He has not been sentenced.
Hernandez Govan, whom Smith recognized as an middleman with Massive Jook, pleaded not responsible to organizing the homicide. Govan's trial date was set for March 10.
Younger Dolph started his profession by releasing quite a few mixtapes. His studio albums embrace his 2016 debut, “King of Memphis.” He additionally collaborated on different mixtapes and albums with fellow rappers Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, TI, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and others.
Three Younger Dolph albums reached the highest 10 on the Billboard 200, and 2020's “Wealthy Slave” peaked at No. four.