Young Dolph Murder Case: Suspects Appear In Court Together To Face Charges

BY Erika Marie 3.8K Views
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Young Dolph
Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith have been named by authorities as the persons responsible for ambushing Dolph and his brother.

The cases against Young Dolph's suspected killers are moving forward swiftly. The beloved Memphis rapper was gunned down months ago as he purchased baked goods for his mother in his hometown, and recently, two suspects were named: Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith. Photos of Johnson have circulated online, as they show the 23-year-old sporting a "PRE," or Paper Route Empire, chain.

The suspects appeared at a court hearing this week where their charges were listed, including an attempted murder charge for shooting at Dolph's brother during the rapper's murder.

Jamie McCarthy / Staff / Getty Images

Local Memphis news station ABC24 reported:

23-year-old Justin Johnson - a Memphis rapper known as Straight Drop - and 32-year-old Cornelius Smith were each indicted on counts of first-degree premeditated murder, attempted first-degree murder, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, employment of a firearm in the commission of a dangerous felony, and theft of property over $10,000.

 Johnson also faces additional charges including violating terms connected to a rape conviction back in 2015. The pair are scheduled to return to court at the end of the month. We'll keep you updated as this case progresses.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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