Source: Jason Mendez / Getty / Young Dolph
It’s been three years since Young Dolph was senselessly gunned down, and finally, his murder trial is underway, and day one is already producing some eyebrow-raising developments.
According to Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman, Young Dolph, born Adolph Thornton Jr., 2021 murder in Memphis was the result of a $100,000 bounty put on him by Yo Gotti’s late older brother, Big Jook.
Hagerman made the bombshell claim during his opening statement, ahead of Justin “Straight Drop” Johnson taking the stand as a defendant.
“Big Jook, the person I told you about before — the No. 2 guy at [Yo Gotti’s] CMG — he’s put out a hit: $100,000 to whoever kills Dolph,” Hagerman said, according to FOX 13. “He has met with Justin. He has met with Cornelius, and they think they’re ready to do it.”
Johnson is facing charges of first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and theft of property. According to Rap-Up, Hernandez Govan, the alleged mastermind behind Dolph’s murder, is also expected to testify, followed by the third suspect, Cornelius Smith.
The DA also claimed Johnson wanted to become the next big artist on his brother’s record label, CMG, and intended to use the money from the hit to push his music career.
For those who didn’t know, Yo Gotti and Dolph had a long-running feud, which many believe led to the rapper’s murder. The artists took jabs at each other on songs “100 Shots,” “Play Wit Yo B**ch,” and “Don’t Beef With Me.”
Ahead of the trial, Dolph’s family issued a statement:
“We remain heartbroken over the loss of Adolph, and we have faith that the legal system will bring justice to all of those involved in this crime. This has been an unimaginable time for our family, but the love and support of the community has given us strength as we continue to process this situation.”
“We ask for privacy as the legal process unfolds, and for patience from those who stand with us. We trust that the legal system will deliver justice for Adolph, allowing us, and the community he loved, to begin the journey toward healing.”
You can expect more bombshell details to drop as the trial pushes on.
