Jermarcus Johnson has escaped prison time after testifying against his half-brother Justin Johnson in the murder case of Young Dolph.
Jermarcus will now walk free under strict conditions, including a six-year diversion program. He pleaded guilty in October 2023 to three counts of accessory after the fact. On November 22nd, 2024, he received his sentence, which also includes community service. He has long maintained he had nothing to do with the rapper’s killing.
“I think it’s important to note that he was not part of the conspiracy to kill Adolph Thornton,” said Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman. “About two weeks after the homicide, his brother popped up out of the blue, gave him this telephone and a car, and asked him to do these things. That was a mistake, and Mr. Jermarcus Johnson knows that was a mistake.”
During the trial. Jermarcus testified that he wasn’t involved in the plot to kill Dolph but admitted to helping his brother post on social media, relay messages, and manage calls after the crime. Justin, known as “Straight Drop,” was sentenced to life in prison after his conviction on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and illegal possession of a firearm.
Dolph was gunned down on November 17th, 2021, at Makeda’s Cookies, his death tied to a web of alleged revenge and rap feuds. Another man, Cornelius Smith, confessed to being one of the shooters. He testified that Justin and he were hired to kill Dolph, allegedly for $100,000. Smith identified Hernandez Govan, reportedly the one who ordered the hit, and Anthony Mims, known as “Big Jook,” as figures in the conspiracy. A March 2025 trial date looms for Govan, while Smith will soon face his own sentencing for first-degree murder and conspiracy. Jook was killed earlier this year.
