A Memphis man convicted in the killing of rapper Young Dolph was sentenced to life behind bars on Friday. Justin Johnson, known as “Straight Drop,” was also convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Sentencing on September 26, 2024, concluded the highly publicized trial that had engrossed the entire city, along with the music industry.
Born Adolph Thornton Jr., Young Dolph was shot and killed on November 17, 2021 at a local bakery in South Memphis. He took 22 bullets in what seemed to be a targeted killing that sent shockwaves throughout the communities. Young Dolph was known to be an independent artist who, until his last breath, remained deeply rooted in Memphis and was considered by the city to be a hometown hero. His sudden death inflamed pain in his family and among his fans in the city.
The motive reportedly believed to be behind Young Dolph’s murder was an exhaustive feud between rival record labels-one as put, which should have driven the violent attack. Co-defendant Cornelius Smith testified in trial that the ambush was orchestrated by Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, the brother of rapper Yo Gotti: such was because of a long-time dispute between him and Dolph due to Dolph’s refusal to join Yo Gotti’s label, putting a $100,000 bounty on Dolph’s life.
The feud continued for years and returned with diss tracks between Young Dolph and Yo Gotti’s camp. Smith testified that he and Johnson had both been promised $40,000 apiece for carrying out the hit but received only a fraction of the payment.
Cell phone records, witness testimony, and surveillance tapes all placed Johnson as being at the scene of the crime-at the trial. The jury did find Johnson guilty on all counts despite his defense. Life in prison without parole was given to Johnson by Judge Jennifer Mitchell.
His murder was deep in the scar for Memphis that had embraced him as much for musical talents as for his philanthropy. He dropped seven studio albums throughout his career, distributed money, and uplifted his community. His death was about losing a deeply invested cultural icon in the future of the city.
News of the sentencing brought partial relief to Young Dolph’s family. Immediately, his sister Carlissa Thornton and his fiancée Mia Jaye let it be known just how huge the conviction was for their sense of closure. Mia Jaye, an outspoken gun violence victim advocate, spoke her gratitude to the justice system for bringing to book those who had a hand in cutting his life short.
