Man Accused Of Planning Young Dolph’s Murder Now Out On Bond

The man accused of orchestrating the hit against rapper Young Dolph has been released from jail on bond.

Hernandez Govan walked free from the Shelby County Jail on Thursday after a judge set his bond at $90,000 earlier this week. Govan has been in custody since November 2022 for conspiring to murder the adored Memphis rapper. Prosecutors say they strongly believe Govan hired Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith to kill Dolph, though a motive has not been made clear. After initially planning the slaying in June 2021, the men carried out the plan on November 17th, 2021, gunning down the “Get Paid” rapper at Makeda’s Homemade Cookies on Airways Boulevard. He was shot a total of 22 times. Another suspect, Jermarcus Johnson, was also arrested for allegedly helping the shooters get away and orchestrating payment from the hit. Shundale Barnett was also indicted in the case. As the passenger in Johnson’s car as the shooting took place, he was charged with after-the-fact accessory to first-degree murder, criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder, and theft of property. He bonded out of jail in February.

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In addition to the bond, Judge Coffee outlined several conditions that Govan must abide by while free. He must remain under house arrest unless meeting with his attorney or receiving medical treatments for an undisclosed health condition. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy confirmed that Dolph’s family approved the bond.

“We’ve come in to some information about Mr. Govan’s role and medical condition that make us think of this is the best resolution,” Mulroy stated. However, he would not go into detail regarding what intel regarding Govan’s role led them to decide on a bond. Nevertheless, Mulroy says he is confident that the allegations against Govan can be proven without any doubts.

Govan has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty.