Memphis, Tenn. — The second trial in the 2021 ambush killing of Memphis rapper Young Dolph has concluded its third day, with closing arguments wrapped up and a 12-member jury now in deliberations.
Day 1: Emotional Testimony and Alleged Mastermind in the Spotlight
The trial commenced Monday under Judge Jennifer Mitchell, with Hernandez Govan facing charges of first‑degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and attempted murder. Prosecutors contend Govan orchestrated the ambush outside Young Dolph’s favored bakery while he was distributing Thanksgiving turkeys to local families. Govan is not accused of pulling the trigger but allegedly directed the two gunmen (“Foot soldiers”) to carry out the attack.
Most pivotal was testimony from Cornelius Smith Jr., one of the admitted shooters. He testified that Govan recruited him and co-defendant Justin Johnson—who was previously convicted and sentenced to life in 2024—for the hit. Govan purportedly provided details about Dolph’s presence in Memphis for the Thanksgiving event, describing it as “our opportunity,” and led him to believe he could receive payment as part of the murder plot.
Prosecutors tied the killing to retaliation by Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, brother of rapper Yo Gotti, alleging he placed a $100,000 bounty on Young Dolph and smaller bounties on artists under Dolph’s label, Paper Route Empire, stemming from old industry feuds (AP News).
Govan’s defense attorney, Manny Arora, countered by discrediting Smith as an unreliable “pathological liar” seeking a reduced sentence. He also questioned the credibility of cell‑phone evidence linking Govan and insisted there was a lack of proof of premeditation or direct coordination by Govan.
Day 2: Reinforcing the Chain of Command
On Tuesday, Smith’s girlfriend testified, affirming the prosecution’s portrayal of the plot’s hierarchy. She alleged Anthony “Big Jook” Mims was “at the top of the chain” when it came to ordering the hit—underscoring the theory that the murder was a calculated revenge plot rather than a random act of violence.
Day 3: Forensic Evidence and the Closing Arguments
Day three saw the court hear medical testimony from Dr. Juliette Scantlebury, who delivered the autopsy findings. She confirmed that Young Dolph suffered 20 gunshot wounds, painting a grisly image of a targeted execution rather than a spontaneous altercation.
The prosecution rested its case following the forensic testimony. The defense then presented an MPD investigator and a neighbor of Cornelius Smith’s father, aiming to cast further doubt on Smith’s characterization and motivations. Their testimony sought to amplify themes of uncertainty surrounding Smith’s narrative and his potential self-interest.
Govan was later called but elected not to testify, a decision noted by the court and jurors.
With both sides having rested, closing arguments were delivered. The prosecution reiterated Govan’s alleged instrumental role in coordinating the murder, leveraging witness accounts and communications to frame a premeditated ambush. Meanwhile, the defense re-emphasized calls for reasonable doubt, questioning the legitimacy of key witnesses and evidence.
Jury Deliberations Begin
Following closing statements, the 12‑member jury—including five men and seven women—retired to deliberate Wednesday evening, beginning around 5:15 p.m.. The court adjourned for the night after about an hour, with deliberations set to resume Thursday morning.
Young Dolph—born Adolph Thornton Jr.—was lauded not only as a rising independent voice in hip-hop, but also a community philanthropist in Memphis. His death during a charitable event at the bakery resonated deeply throughout the city.
The trial’s high-profile saga pits the prosecution’s narrative of orchestration and vengeance—with Govan as a hub in the chain of command—against the defense’s insistence on witness unreliability and circumstantial evidence.
