3 Years Later, Young Dolph Murder Trial to Begin

Memphis rapper Young Dolph, born Adolph Thornton Jr., was murdered on Nov. 17, 2021, in a daylight ambush at a local cookie shop. Nearly three years later, his trial is set to commence Monday. Justin Johnson, one of two men charged with first-degree murder, has pleaded not guilty and will face jurors from Nashville due to concerns over local jury impartiality. Cornelius Smith Jr., who had also pleaded not guilty, will not stand trial on Monday.

Young Dolph, known for his independent music career and his label Paper Route Empire, was beloved for his charitable acts, from covering funeral costs to supporting local schools. On the day he was shot, he was in town to distribute turkeys to families in need. During a stop at a favorite spot, Makeda's Homemade Cookies, two men fired at him then fled. Johnson was later arrested in Indiana, while Smith was detained on an auto-theft warrant. Two more men, Hernandez Govan and Jermarcus Johnson, have also been charged in connection to the incident. The former is accused of organizing the killing, the latter of acting as an accessory afterward. Authorities have not released any suspected motive. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)