By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – Memphis, TN – In a significant development that brings a close to a protracted legal saga, Cornelius Smith, the final suspect implicated in the 2021 murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, has reportedly agreed to a plea deal. This impending resolution marks a pivotal moment more than four years after the tragic shooting that shook the hip-hop community and the city of Memphis.
According to reports from local Memphis news outlet Fox13, Smith, 36, has reached an agreement to plead guilty to his role in the fatal incident. The confession details his involvement as one of the gunmen present outside Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies on November 17, 2021, where Young Dolph, born Adolph Thornton Jr., was fatally shot. The plea deal is contingent on the confirmation of his housing arrangements within the Tennessee Department of Corrections for his incarceration, a detail that is still being finalized. A court hearing has been officially scheduled for March 30, at which time Smith is expected to formally enter his guilty plea.
Cornelius Smith’s agreement to a plea deal places him as the third individual to face legal consequences for his alleged participation in the rapper’s death. His testimony has been a crucial element in the prosecution of other defendants involved. In a previous court appearance in 2024, Smith admitted to his involvement in the shooting, stating that he and co-defendant Justin Johnson were each promised $40,000 for carrying out the assassination. During Justin Johnson’s trial in 2024, Smith provided sworn testimony, identifying Johnson as his accomplice. Furthermore, Smith implicated a figure known as "Big Jook," identified as the late brother of fellow Memphis rapper Yo Gotti, as the alleged orchestrator of the hit. This testimony painted a picture of a pre-meditated murder, allegedly stemming from a dispute or directive issued by the influential figure.
The legal proceedings surrounding Young Dolph’s murder have been complex and have seen varying outcomes for the individuals accused. Justin Johnson, who was found guilty on all counts—including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon—was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2024. His conviction was a major step towards accountability for the crime. In contrast, Hernandez Govan, who was accused of masterminding the hit and allegedly acting under instructions from Big Jook, was acquitted of all charges. In August of the previous year, a jury found Govan not guilty of both first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, a verdict that concluded his legal battle and left him free of criminal culpability in connection with the case.
The murder of Young Dolph sent shockwaves through the music industry and beyond, highlighting the persistent issue of gun violence. Dolph, a prominent figure in the hip-hop landscape known for his independent success and entrepreneurial spirit, had a significant impact on his community and inspired many with his journey. His untimely death left a void in the music world and prompted widespread calls for justice. The ongoing legal processes have been closely watched by fans and observers alike, as they sought to understand the full scope of the events that led to such a tragic loss.
The plea agreement by Cornelius Smith signifies a significant turning point, potentially bringing a degree of closure to the legal aspects of this high-profile case. While the specifics of his sentencing will be determined at the upcoming hearing, his confession and cooperation with authorities are expected to play a crucial role in the final judgment. The case has underscored the intricate nature of criminal investigations, particularly those involving multiple defendants and complex alleged motives. The legal system’s pursuit of justice for Young Dolph has been a lengthy and challenging endeavor, with each development contributing to the broader narrative of the investigation. The resolution of Smith’s case will officially conclude the legal chapter for all identified suspects, allowing the focus to shift towards remembering Young Dolph’s legacy and advocating for an end to the violence that claimed his life. The impact of his music and his philanthropic efforts continue to resonate, serving as a reminder of the artist and individual he was.