Justin Johnson, the man convicted of the 2021 murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, has received additional years in prison, intensifying his already extensive sentence.
Judge Jennifer Mitchell issued the new sentences on Friday, adding a 35-year term for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and another 15 years for being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun.
Both sentences will run concurrently, but Johnson’s chances of parole remain slim, as he already faces a life sentence without eligibility until his late seventies.
The sentencing hearing brought a wave of emotion, particularly as the family of Young Dolph delivered a powerful statement. Addressing Johnson indirectly, the family expressed the depth of their loss and the impact of the crime on their lives.
"To the one responsible for taking him from us just know this: You may deny your actions but the evidence speaks clearly," the family stated, making clear the toll that jealousy and violence have taken.
“You may have tried to take a man down for the sake of envy, but in the end, you have lost far more than you could ever gain. The world sees you now for what you are.”
The Shelby County Deputy District Attorney, Paul Hagerman, also underscored the severity of the crime, recommending 40 years for the conspiracy charge and 20 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Hagerman requested that these sentences be served consecutively to the life sentence Johnson received for the first-degree murder charge.
“Consecutive sentences would reflect the gravity of Johnson’s actions and the suffering inflicted upon Young Dolph’s loved ones,” he argued.
However, Johnson’s attorney, Luke Evans, opposed the recommendation, advocating instead for concurrent sentences and the least amount of additional prison time possible.
He argued that consecutive sentences would be excessive, especially as Johnson’s current life sentence already rules out parole until he is in his mid to late seventies.
Evans contended that additional time served concurrently would not significantly alter his client’s fate.
The sentencing follows a legal battle between Johnson’s defense and the court, as his attorneys filed a motion on October 25, 2024, requesting a new trial.
This motion alleged that the evidence presented at the initial trial was insufficient to prove Johnson’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The defense also criticized the court for allowing what they described as "gruesome" photographs of Young Dolph’s body, both at the crime scene and during the autopsy, which they argued unfairly influenced the jury.
Johnson’s attorneys also took issue with the court’s refusal to allow Johnson to sit at the counsel table, arguing that this decision prevented him from fully participating in his own defense.
Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., was shot and killed on November 17, 2021, while visiting Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies, a beloved local bakery in Memphis.
Known for his distinct voice, dynamic performances, and deep ties to his Memphis community, Young Dolph had built a substantial following both locally and nationally.
His death shocked the music world, with fans mourning not only his artistry but also his dedication to uplifting his community.
According to witnesses, Dolph was inside the bakery when two masked gunmen approached and opened fire, resulting in a brutal and tragic end to the artist’s life.
Authorities later identified Johnson as one of the perpetrators and charged him with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Despite his conviction, Johnson has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming that the evidence against him does not conclusively link him to the crime.
His attorneys have been vocal in challenging the trial’s procedures, and the recent motion to vacate his sentence indicates their determination to continue seeking legal remedies on Johnson’s behalf.
The courtroom tension during the sentencing was palpable, with Young Dolph’s family voicing their sorrow and frustration.
Their statement served not only as a tribute to Dolph’s memory but also as a public call for accountability, emphasizing the destructive impact of jealousy, violence, and loss.
They urged that Johnson’s sentencing reflect the full extent of the harm he had caused, with no possibility of the court’s leniency in his favor.
As Johnson's legal team continues to pursue a new trial, questions remain about how the appeals process will unfold.
However, his life sentence, combined with the additional years added on Friday, means that Johnson will spend the vast majority of his life behind bars, if not all of it.
For Young Dolph’s fans and family, the recent sentence represents a measure of justice served, though it can never replace the life of the beloved rapper who brought pride to Memphis and inspired a generation.
This case also underscores the tragic consequences of gun violence and the painful scars left on communities. Young Dolph's murder is a reminder of the impact that such violent acts have on families, fans, and the broader public.
The sentencing serves as a step toward healing for some, but the shadow of his absence continues to weigh heavily on the music world and his hometown.
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