The legal proceedings against three individuals implicated in the homicide of rapper Young Dolph have started. The case opened with startling claims from Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman about who orchestrated the 2021 killing. Hagerman pointed to the late Big Jook, a brother of Young Dolph’s adversary Yo Gotti, accusing him of masterminding the attack.
Prosecutors believe Big Jook proposed a $100,000 reward for anyone willing to assassinate Dolph, aiming to conclude a prolonged rap rivalry. The defendants—Hernandez Govan, Justin Johnson, and Cornelius Smith—facing first-degree murder charges, have all entered pleas of innocence.
Jermarcus Johnson, Justin’s half-brother, had earlier admitted guilt to three counts of being an accessory after the fact. Evidence introduced during the trial includes video showing Young Dolph right before he was fatally shot, stepping out of his vehicle to purchase cookies.
Additional footage leading up to the November 2021 shooting outside Makeda’s cookie shop was also put forward by the prosecution. The trial is still underway, with further crucial evidence expected to surface.
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