The trial of one of the men accused of murdering Memphis rapper Young Dolph began Monday and one shocking revelation regarding Yo Gotti’s brother, Big Jook, emerged.
Witnesses took the stand, including Young Dolph’s sister and his head of security. Though the head of security wasn’t with Dolph during the murder, surveillance video captured Dolph’s brother at the scene. Prosecutors, led by Paul Hagerman, detailed the events leading to Dolph’s murder. They argued that Justin Johnson, one of the suspects, had been offered $100,000 by Big Jook to kill Dolph, who had longstanding animosity with Gotti’s record label, CMG. Hagerman presented evidence, including surveillance footage and cell phone records, linking Johnson to the crime scene.
The defense, led by Luke Evans, focused on discrediting the testimony of co-defendant Hernandez Govan, who they claimed had financial motives to manipulate Johnson. Evans also questioned the forensic evidence, arguing that no DNA or fingerprints directly linked Johnson to the crime scene or the car used in the murder.
Meanwhile, Young Dolph’s family issued a statement expressing their hope for justice, thanking the community for their support, and requesting privacy as the legal process unfolds. The family remains hopeful that justice will be served for Dolph, whose death has deeply impacted the Memphis community and beyond.
Jook was killed in a shooting in January 2024 while attending the funeral of a family member in Memphis.
