MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — After almost three years, the trial for the men charged in connection to the deadly attack of Memphis rapper Young Dolph will begin on Monday. Out-of-town jurors were also selected for the trial.
Hernandez Govan, Justin Johnson, and Cornelius Smith are the three men set to face a judge. A fourth man, Jermarcus Johnson, already pled guilty last year to three counts of being an accessory after the fact.
Prosecutors have been very quiet regarding the details and any evidence surrounding the high-profile case. However, WREG learned security will be tight during the trial.
According to the Public Information Officer with the Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk’s office, the stairwell to the courtroom will be closed off. Upon getting off the elevator, everyone must go through a metal detector.
On November 17, 2021, 36-year-old Adolph Thorton Jr., better known as Young Dolph, was killed at Makeda’s Cookies on Airways Boulevard near Ketchum in Memphis.
Govan is accused of arranging Young Dolph’s murder. Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith are said to be the alleged triggermen. Prosecutors say Jermarcus Johnson was not involved in the shooting or the planning but did assist his half-brother, Justin, escape after the shooting.
According to court records, Johnson bonded out the same day he entered the guilty plea and has been out awaiting his sentencing. At the time, the judge said the charges would bring a sentence of 6 to 12 years.
The owners of Makeda’s cookies, Pamela and Maurice Hill, say they’re doing their part to keep Young Dolph’s name alive.
This week marks 25 years in business as a staple in this South Memphis community.
“The community has been great. The community has been great,” Maurice said.
Pamela says only one thing has kept them going all these years. “Love. 25 years,” she said. “It hasn’t been easy of course but we stick together and we keep baking.”
That love for baking and community has pushed them forward even in the eye of tragedy.
“He [Young Dolph] loved Makeda’s and he will always be a part of Makeda’s, especially over here on Airways,” Maurice said.
“He would’ve wanted us to keep going,” Pamela said. “We got our justice for Dolph t-shirts prepared to put on Monday.”
Years later, they’re not only celebrating 25 years in business, they’re also celebrating justice. They say no matter what happens in court, Dolph will always be a part of their history.
“It’s forever with us. It’s forever Dolph and forever Makeda’s,” Maurice said.
