The jury found Justin Johnson guilty of murdering Young Dolph on Thursday (September 26) after a co-defendant testified that the assassination was part of a record label quarrel.

After just under four hours, jurors convicted Johnson of murder, conspiracy to murder, and weapons possession. Judge Jennifer Mitchell of the Shelby County Criminal Court sentenced Johnson to life in prison.

Cornelius Smith testified that rapper Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, had put a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph and bounties on all Paper Route Empire musicians. Smith claimed he and Johnson left “looking for somebody” on November 17, 2021, and “didn’t know who we were going to catch.”

Smith testified, but prosecutors presented a mound of circumstantial evidence, including surveillance cameras and Johnson’s cell phone. After the murder, Jermarcus Johnson pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding Smith and his half-brother Justin Johnson, testifying in June 2023.

While fleeing investigators, Jermarcus Johnson helped the two contact each other via telephone. Hernandez Govan, Smith’s liaison with Big Jook, has denied planning the murder.

Following the news of Justin Johnson getting a life sentence for his involvement in the murder of Dolph, Justin made a statement online and bragged about not snitching.

He said, “These n***as taking criminal responsibility I’m taking street responsibility regardless I’m foreva the biggest they can throw away the keys before I ever eat da cheese.”

Dolph’s fiance said, “We are also grateful to the public for standing with us and advocating for accountability throughout this process. The past three years, marked by the loss of Adolph and the events leading to the trial, have been incredibly frustrating. My faith has been tested, but Adolph’s tragic execution has only strengthened my resolve to fight – not only for him but for all Black men. This is just the beginning of our journey toward achieving full justice for Adolph, and we will patiently support the unfolding of that process.”