Jermarcus Johnson to serve probation in Young Dolph murder case
It’s been over three years since the tragic shooting death of rapper Young Dolph, whose life was taken too soon in Memphis on November 17, 2021. His untimely death shocked the music community and fans around the world. Since then, multiple suspects have been arrested and charged, with each individual’s involvement in the murder case coming to light in the courts. Meanwhile, Jermarcus Johnson, has been sentenced for his role in helping the alleged murderers evade capture, according to the Associated Press.
This latest development in the case shines a spotlight on the complex legal battles surrounding the murder of Young Dolph, whose death left an indelible mark on the hip-hop world. Here’s what you need to know about the charges, sentencing, and what’s next for those involved.
The Key Players in the Young Dolph Murder Case
To fully understand the legal proceedings, it’s essential to grasp the roles each of the defendants played in the Young Dolph case. The primary individuals charged in the murder include:
- Justin Johnson (a.k.a. “Straight Drop”): The man accused of pulling the trigger on Young Dolph, charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and felon in possession of a firearm.
- Cornelius Smith Jr.: Another suspect arrested in connection with the murder, Smith is accused of being involved in the planning and execution of the attack.
- Jermarcus Johnson: Justin Johnson’s half-brother, who was allegedly involved in helping the accused murderers escape justice after the crime.
Each of these men has faced varying levels of accountability, with Justin Johnson’s case garnering the most attention due to the severity of the charges against him.
Jermarcus Johnson’s Plea and Sentence
In June 2023, Jermarcus Johnson, 27, entered a guilty plea to three counts of serving as an accessory to the murder. His role in the case wasn’t one of direct violence, but rather one of aiding and abetting the alleged perpetrators after the fact.
Therefore, Jermarcus was accused of helping his half-brother, Justin Johnson, and Cornelius Smith Jr. communicate with one another via cell phones while they were reportedly on the run from law enforcement. As the investigation into Young Dolph’s death ramped up, authorities discovered that Jermarcus was involved in facilitating these communications, which contributed to the men’s ability to evade capture for a period of time.
Furthermore, recently, Shelby County Judge Jennifer Mitchell sentenced Jermarcus Johnson to a six-year diversionary program. This program is designed for individuals who have committed non-violent crimes or played a minor role in a larger offense. The terms of the program include job training, drug testing, community service, and a prohibition on owning firearms.
If Jermarcus successfully completes the program, his criminal record could potentially be cleared. This represents a significant departure from the harsher sentences faced by others involved in the case, including his brother Justin.
The Fate of Justin Johnson: Life Behind Bars
While Jermarcus Johnson received a diversionary program, his half-brother, Justin Johnson, is facing far more severe consequences. In September 2024, Justin was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and felon in possession of a firearm.
The details surrounding the murder of Young Dolph are chilling. On November 17, 2021, Dolph was gunned down outside a bakery in his hometown of Memphis. Authorities say Justin Johnson, along with Cornelius Smith Jr., were responsible for the shooting. Justin was captured on security cameras near the scene, and ballistic evidence later linked him to the crime.
Despite his conviction, Justin Johnson’s legal team is not giving up. In October 2024, his lawyers filed a motion for a retrial, claiming the evidence presented during his trial was insufficient to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. According to the defense team, the verdict contradicted the weight and sufficiency of the evidence, and they argue that no rational jury could have found him guilty.
However, Judge Jennifer Mitchell rejected the motion and even added 35 additional years to Justin’s sentence, making it clear that the court was not swayed by the defense’s arguments. With the addition of those years, Justin Johnson’s sentence now totals life in prison plus 35 years.
The Aftermath: Justice for Young Dolph and His Family
While the legal process continues to unfold, the death of Young Dolph remains a tragic reminder of the violence that has plagued certain parts of Memphis. The rapper, known for his philanthropic work and his dedication to supporting his community, was beloved by his fans and colleagues alike.
Dolph’s family has been deeply affected by his loss, and many have spoken out in favor of justice. The legal cases against those responsible for his death have been highly publicized, and many fans are hopeful that justice will prevail in the courts.
The ongoing trials and sentencing of those involved in the murder reflect a complex mix of emotions—grief, anger, and a desire for accountability. For those involved, the consequences of their actions will continue to reverberate throughout their lives, while the memory of Young Dolph will remain a significant part of Memphis’ music history.
The Ongoing Investigation and Potential for More Arrests
Although the cases against Justin Johnson, Cornelius Smith Jr., and Jermarcus Johnson are significant steps in the legal process, the investigation into Young Dolph’s death may not be over. As of now, the authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests. Law enforcement officials are continuing to follow leads, and it’s possible that others who were involved in the planning or execution of the murder may yet be brought to justice.
Given the high-profile nature of the case, any new developments will likely attract significant media attention, especially if more individuals are arrested or charged in connection with the crime.
A City Still in Grief
Three years after Young Dolph’s tragic death, Memphis is still reeling from the loss of a beloved artist and philanthropist. The legal proceedings surrounding his murder are far from over, with different defendants facing different outcomes based on their roles in the crime.
For Jermarcus Johnson, the six-year diversionary program offers a chance at redemption, while his brother Justin will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars. As the courts continue to grapple with the case, one thing is clear: justice for Young Dolph is a complicated and ongoing process.
As a result, for fans and family, the pain of Young Dolph’s loss will never fully heal, but seeing the wheels of justice turn may bring some sense of closure. Whether or not the full extent of the conspiracy behind his murder is ever uncovered, the memory of Young Dolph will remain strong in Memphis and beyond.
