Mastermind in Young Dolph Murder Trial Begins

The Trial of Hernandez Govan in the Death of Young Dolph

The trial of Hernandez Govan, the alleged mastermind behind the death of rapper Young Dolph, has begun in a Memphis courtroom. Govan, 45, faces charges including murder, murder conspiracy, and attempted murder. He previously rejected a plea deal, leading to the current legal proceedings.

During opening statements, the state prosecutor emphasized that this case revolves around "choices." She indicated that Cornelius Smith, a codefendant, will testify and that his testimony will provide critical insights into the events that led to Young Dolph’s death. The prosecutor argued that Govan deliberately chose two individuals—Justin Johnson, an aspiring rapper, and Cornelius Smith—who were in desperate situations, to carry out the killing. She also mentioned a $100,000 bounty for Young Dolph, with Govan set to receive a $10,000 cut.

Govan's defense attorney, Manny Arora, challenged the credibility of Smith, suggesting that he is trying to protect himself by painting Govan as the primary figure in the case. Arora criticized the evidence presented by prosecutors, calling it "cherry-picked," and argued that the case seems politically motivated. He pointed out that Govan is being targeted despite not having the same resources or connections as others, such as Gotti or Jook, who were never questioned or charged.

Testimonies and Key Evidence

Young Dolph’s sister, Erica Thornton, was the first witness called by the prosecution. She provided emotional testimony about her brother’s life and the impact of his death. The second witness, Raul Hopkins, Young Dolph’s security guard for seven years, testified about multiple incidents where Young Dolph’s vehicle was shot at over the years. The last incident occurred on November 17, 2021, when Young Dolph was fatally shot at Makeda’s Cookies in South Memphis. Assistant District Attorney Irris Williams described the injuries sustained by Young Dolph, noting around 20 gunshot wounds to his neck, chest, arms, and a severe facial injury.

Cornelius Smith, the third witness called by the prosecution, testified about his relationship with Govan. He revealed that he had been purchasing pills from Govan due to stress and that he had struggled with drug use. Smith explained that he often asked for credit to buy pills and that this situation made him vulnerable to exploitation. He also discussed his financial struggles, including the need to care for his five children.

Smith testified that he met Justin Johnson, the triggerman found guilty in the shooting, through Govan. He described how Govan approached him and Johnson with an opportunity to make money by carrying out a hit on "a couple of people’s heads in Paper Route." Smith confirmed that there was a $50,000 bounty for Paper Route Woo and a $100,000 bounty for Young Dolph.

The Events Leading to the Shooting

Smith recounted a shootout involving Paper Route Woo that took place after Govan called him and Johnson to meet at his house and provided their location. He later met Big Jook, a high-up at record label CMG and the older brother of rapper Yo Gotti, at Govan’s house. According to Smith, Govan introduced him as someone who would carry out the hit. However, Smith denied having any other communication with Jook and claimed he did not have his number.

On November 16, Smith and Johnson attempted to carry out the hit on Young Dolph but found him absent. They learned that Young Dolph was in town due to a turkey drive organized by the artists. On November 17, Smith received a call from Johnson, who picked him up in a white Mercedes instead of his usual SUV. Smith did not question the change in vehicle, knowing they were on a mission.

They drove to Govan’s house, where Johnson retrieved something from an SUV before returning to the Mercedes. Smith said they had their own masks and gloves, and the guns were already in the car. As they followed Young Dolph to the cookie shop, they eventually entered the parking lot and carried out the shooting.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Following Young Dolph’s death, Memphis Police released images of the two gunmen involved in the attack. Investigators later identified them as Cornelius Smith and Justin Johnson. Nearly a year later, Govan was indicted. Prosecutors argue that he played a key role in soliciting the hit.

Govan has a lengthy criminal history dating back to the late 1990s. Despite his arrest last year in DeSoto County, he was released on a $90,000 bond. Prosecutors are seeking an enhanced sentence if he is convicted. If found guilty, he would be the second suspect to face trial, following Justin Johnson, who was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

During Johnson’s trial, his attorney suggested that Big Jook, a high-up at a rival record label, ordered the hit, allegedly arranged by Govan. Johnson and Smith could still be called to testify, and a jury has already been seated. The court is expected to conclude its proceedings by the end of the week, with the jury making a final decision. Court will be in session again on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.