The years-long legal saga surrounding the murder of Memphis legend Young Dolph is finally nearing its end.
On Thursday, February 12, Cornelius Smith, the final key suspect in the rapper’s 2021 shooting, moved a step closer to a formal resolution. Although he was expected to enter a guilty plea during his most recent court appearance, the hearing was pushed back to March 30. The delay isn’t due to a change of heart, but rather a need to settle specific details about which Tennessee Department of Corrections facility will house him.
The District Attorney’s office has confirmed that a deal is officially in the works. According to reports, Smith’s attorney Michael Scholl and Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman told the outlet that “they’re ready for this chapter to be closed,” per FOX13 Memphis’ investigative reporter Kayla Solomon.
For a city and a family that have been through a revolving door of court dates and graphic testimony, this final plea could offer a long-awaited sense of closure.
Smith’s journey through the court system has been a centerpiece of this investigation. After confessing to the murder, he took the stand to testify against his co-conspirators. He famously told the court that the hit was ordered by the late Big Jook, brother of rap rival Yo Gotti, who allegedly put a bounty on the “Preach” rapper.
While Smith’s cooperation helped land Justin Johnson a life sentence, the case hasn’t been without its controversy. Hernandez Govan, whom prosecutors initially labeled the mastermind, was ultimately acquitted, leading to heated public disputes between Govan and media figures over his involvement.
With the March 30 date now set for the final guilty plea, the remaining loose ends are being tied up. Accessories in the case, like Jemarcus Johnson and Shundale Barnett, have already dealt with their own charges, meaning Smith’s plea is likely the final major move in the case.
While Dolph’s presence is still felt throughout Memphis, this legal conclusion marks the end of a dark chapter that has loomed over the city for more than four years.
