Justin Johnson Sentenced for Young Dolph Murder

Justin Johnson has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and being a felon in possession of a firearm in the killing of rapper Young Dolph. The jury deliberated for under four hours before reaching the verdict, during which they heard testimony from co-defendant Cornelius Smith, who claimed that a $100,000 hit was placed on Young Dolph by Anthony 'Big Jook' Mims, connected to rival rapper Yo Gotti. Johnson and Smith followed Young Dolph to a bakery on November 17, 2021, where they opened fire, resulting in Dolph being shot 22 times. Prosecutors presented extensive evidence, including surveillance footage and cell phone records, linking Johnson to the crime, which Smith corroborated. The trial revealed underlying tensions in the music industry, as Young Dolph had previously rejected offers from Mims' label, fueling animosity. Johnson's accomplice Smith is also charged with murder and conspiracy but has pleaded not guilty.