Memphis Jury Acquits Man Accused of Organizing Young Dolph Murder

Hernandez Govan was acquitted of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges related to the 2021 killing of Memphis rapper Young Dolph after a jury deliberated for three hours, finding insufficient evidence to prove he orchestrated the ambush. Prosecutors alleged Govan hired the two shooters and sought a cut of the bounty placed on Dolph by Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, who was never charged and was later killed in a shooting. One of the shooters, Cornelius Smith, testified against Govan but was described as a questionable witness by the defense, which criticized the police investigation and evidence reliability. Justin Johnson, the other shooter, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, while Smith cooperates with prosecutors for a reduced sentence. Govan expressed relief and gratitude after the verdict, calling the prosecution corrupt and affirming his innocence. The case highlights ongoing rivalries and tensions in the Memphis rap scene and raises questions about justice and law enforcement's effectiveness in such high-profile cases.