Hernandez Govan Archives - New Hip Hop News

Young Dolph Murder Trial: Prosecutors Explain Why Alleged Mastermind Was Not Tried

September 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The jury presiding over the trial for the murder of Young Dolph heard closing statements from lawyers on Thursday (September 26), but these remarks left some lingering questions. Most importantly, the court did not hear from the attack’s alleged mastermind Hernandez Govan. Instead, Justin Johnson (the alleged gunman in the case) was the only one who stood trial, as Cornelius Smith – the other alleged gunman – confessed to the murder in testimony on Monday (September 23) and stated that Johnson was his accomplice. On the other hand, Govan was expected to testify against his codefendant Johnson, but never took the stand.

Prosecutors in the Young Dolph murder trial had some interesting explanations for this. “I don’t want to go into too much detail,” Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy expressed to journalists on the scene. “But not every potential witness that we might have is necessary in a case. It’s not always necessary to bring everything you have to bear in order to prove everything beyond a reasonable doubt.” Johnson’s lawyer Luke Evans proposed that Govan did not testify because his side of the story would not have favored the prosecution.

Young Dolph Trial Livestream

“I don’t have the ability to wave a magic wand and give him a reduced sentence if he comes in and testify for me,” Evans reportedly remarked to jurors. “So he’s to my exclusion, to Mr. Johnson’s exclusion and to your exclusion. And if this is a truth-seeking function, why didn’t the state call him?” However, the prosecution in the Young Dolph case dismissed this argument. “He is a defendant,” Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman stated while defending Govan’s right to not incriminate himself. “He is not a missing witness. That would be be insane.”

Johnson, Smith, and Govan faced first-degree murder charges, whereas a fourth accomplice (Johnson’s brother Jermarcus) pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder charges. While the court did not try them alongside Johnson, Smith and Govan inked no formal plea deals. Smith claimed that he and Johnson carried out a $100K hit on Young Dolph (which Govan allegedly helped organize) at the behest of Yo Gotti’s brother Big Jook, who was murdered in Memphis in January. No arrests have emerged in that case. As of writing this article, jurors will begin to deliberate this afternoon.

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Young Dolph Murder Suspect Secures A Legal Victory Amid Another Unrelated Arrest

July 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Hernandez Govan, the alleged mastermind behind Young Dolph’s murder in 2021, caught a lucky break in Tennessee court on Friday (July 12) despite other legal worries. Moreover, authorities arrested him on June 23 in Mississippi for trespassing, driving with a suspended license, and an improperly mounted license tag while out on bond in the Dolph case. For this most recent arrest, Govan also bailed out of the DeSoto County jail with a $2,250 payment. Then, back in Tennessee, Judge Jennifer Mitchell ruled not to revoke his bond from the rapper’s murder case, so he will not have to return to jail since prosecutors didn’t ask to revoke his bail, per Fox 13 Memphis. Govan will face trial for Dolph’s death in September of this year.

Furthermore, the other three murder suspects in this Young Dolph case are Cornelius Smith and Justin and Jermarcus Johnson. Hernandez Govan, Justin, and Smith faced first-degree murder charges and al pleaded not guilty, whereas Jermarcus took a plea deal for three counts of accessory after the fact, and he awaits his sentence. Prosecutors alleged that Govan was the one who ordered the hit on the Memphis MC, and that Justin and Smith were the ones who carried it out for him. While Govan has been out on a $90,000 bond since 2023, Justin and Smith are still behind bars.

Young Dolph Performs At The 2021 ONE Music Fest

Young Dolph Trial Hernandez Govan Bond Arrest Hip Hop News — ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 09: Rapper Young Dolph performs onstage during 2021 ONE Musicfest at Centennial Olympic Park on October 09, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

“It is truly hurtful that my family was robbed of a future,” Young Dolph’s partner Mia Jaye said of this trial process. “My love’s life was taken and to be left behind to see no one be held accountable in the [court] of law for the act… Is INSANE. Our family witnessed lenient bonds granted, absurd requests for the defendants to get a venue motion, freedom, more time to create a stronger defense, witnessed songs made, defendants enjoying life while on H.A…

“All while our loved one is 6feet deep,” Mia Jaye concluded about Young Dolph. “Continuing to sit back and allowing people to PLAY in your face isn’t the process it is ignoring the process and giving room for any and everything wrong to happen, over looking accountability.”

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Young Dolph Murder Suspect Begs Judge To Allow Him To Work

February 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The alleged mastermind behind Young Dolph’s murder, Hernandez Govan, wants this accusation to weigh less heavily on him. Moreover, according to AllHipHop, Hernandez Govan filed a request to Judge Jennifer Mitchell, who presides over his case, to ease his house arrest terms to he can find employment. Govan faces first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder charges. His current 24-hour house arrest lockdown began with his leave on bond in May of 2023 for $90,000. Govan reportedly wants to find work to support his wife and daughter, something that the court already denied him.

Furthermore, Judge Lee Coffee denied Govan’s previous request for this house arrest relaxation. This was due to claims that he violated his bond terms by failing to get permission to travel outside of Shelby County, and doing so anyway. Not only that, but the judge warned Govan was probably at risk of falling victim to a targeted attack thanks to his alleged involvement in Young Dolph’s murder. “Memphis Shelby County, Tennessee is the first most violent metropolitan area in the country,” Coffee remarked. “This case has generated a substantial amount of publicity, and if you’re running around free… somebody might be trying to kill you.”

Young Dolph Performing In Georgia In 2020

Young Dolph Murder Suspect Judge House Arrest Work Hip Hop News — COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA – AUGUST 23: Rapper Young Dolph performs on stage during the Parking Lot Concert series at Gateway Center Arena on August 23, 2020 in College Park, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Reportedly, Hernandez Govan isn’t too concerned with this risk, and simply wants to work to provide for his family. However, it seems like this trial, which is set to begin on June 3 of this year, won’t involve too much hometown bias, or at least much less than what suspects feared. Justin Johnson in particular, another suspect in this case, allegedly begged that the jury in this case not be from Memphis to avoid a strong connection to the victim. This is because the rapper’s passing was so impactful, shocking, and deeply saddening for the community that jurors from the local area are much less likely to be impartial.

Johnson actually got his wish, and now we’re just waiting for the rest of the trial to manifest itself. We can’t really guess as to whether the court will be receptive to Govan’s request, but we can’t image previous precedent paints a pretty picture. As such, it’s likely that the outcome of this trial will define them for much of their lives. For more news and the latest updates on the Young Dolph case, stick around on HNHH.

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Young Dolph’s Accused Murderer Meets New Judge

November 4, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Last month, it was revealed that the man accused of being behind Young Dolph’s murder would have a new judge assigned to his trial. The suspect, Hernandez Govan, met the new judge who will oversee his case for the first time earlier this week, Judge Jennifer Mitchell. Govan was charged in connection to the Memphis rapper’s murder along with three other men, Justin Johnson, Cornelius Smith, and Jermarcus Johnson.

He allegedly planned the attack. The other men are accused of stealing the vehicle used to carry it out, and firing off the deadly gunshots. Young Dolph was shot several times at his favorite bakery, Makeda’s Homemade Cookies, in November of 2021. The judge formrely overseeing the case, Judge Lee Coffee, was removed due to his alleged mistreatment of Justin Johnson. “It would appear to a reasonable person that Judge Coffee has a prejudice of a personal character directed at the defendant,” the Court of Criminal Appeals said of his removal.

Hernandez Govan Appears In Court

Young Dolph's Accused Murderer Meets New Judge — Young Dolph performs during Rolling Loud New York 2021 at Citi Field on October 30, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images)

Justin Johnson, also known by rap moniker Straight Drop, released a song called “No Statements” last year from behind bars. Coffee later called the facility Johnson was at and had them put him in administrative isolation. The warden claims that no rules were broken by Johnson recording the song.

Govan was released from jail earlier this year on a $90K bond, and has since been on house arrest. During his meeting in the courtroom with Judge Mitchell on Thursday (November 2), she simply urged him not to violate his bond ahead of his next court appearance. His next appearance in scheduled for December 14 of this year. What do you think of Hernandez Govan meeting the new judge overseeing his case for the first time? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Judge Tells Young Dolph Suspect Relaxing Bond Restrictions Could Get Him Killed

August 20, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Hernandez Govan, the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Young Dolph, found himself on the wrong side of Judge Lee Coffee this week. Govan was in court to petition the court to relax the limitations and conditions of his bond release. Unfortunately for Govan, that triggered an eight-minute scolding from Coffee. “You wanted to go clothes shopping. I think my response is that you have Amazon.com to deliver your clothing. You also wanted to go grocery shopping. I told you to call Kroger and have them deliver your food to your house,” Coffee told Govan.

The judge also responded to elements of the petition in which Govan requested permission to seek full-time employment while awaiting trial. “I don’t see any reason at all why this court should relax those conditions and say ‘Mr. Govan, we’re going to let you go back to being a fully fledged person with no restrictions at all, go to work when you want to, go shopping when you want to, leave the county when you want go, go to other places when you want to.” He was also informed that Govan had taken several trips out of state since being released on bond in May. “That’s a violation of your bond,” Coffee said. ” I don’t know who gave you permission, but unless you hear from Judge Coffee. It can’t be done unless it’s approved by this court.”

Judge Tells Young Dolph Suspect Bond Is For His Own Safety

However, Coffee also had a much sterner warning for Govan. It also served as an explanation as to why his bond was so strict. “You are probably aware that Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee is the first most violent metropolitan area in the country. This case has generated a substantial amount of publicity. If you’re running around free in Shelby County, Mr. Govan, knock on wood, somebody might be trying to kill you, sir.”

To conclude, Coffee told Govan to stop requesting relaxations and told him that he could always be sent back to jail. “Mr. Govan, you should be blessed that you are on bond,” Judge Coffee said. “The only other resolution for Judge Coffee is to put you back in jail pending disposition of these charges. Your lawyers have done a great job in getting you released on bond until these cases are settled. But, I do not intend, and I want you to hear me clear, I do not intend, unless there is a substantial change, I do not intend to change the conditions of this bond and say ‘Look, I’ve thought about this and I’m willing to relax this.”

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Young Dolph Murder Suspect, Hernandez Govan, Receives $90K Bond

May 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Young Dolph’s life was tragically taken far too soon a year and a half ago now. Still, his family awaits justice via the legal system. In late April, one of the suspects, Hernandez Govan, made headlines after appearing in court without his lawyer. It was previously reported that after nearly half a year of working with his client, William Massey could no longer represent Govan. “Some sort of conflict [has] arisen. I don’t know the nature of it,” the presiding judge explained at the time.

Ultimately, attorney Handel Durham Jr. was appointed to Young Dolph’s alleged killer’s case. So far, the two seem to be working very well together. On Thursday (May 11), FOX13 Memphis reporter Jeremy Pierre revealed via Twitter that Govan has been given a surprisingly low bond of $90K after months of waiting behind bars. “Hernandez Govan charged with the first-degree murder of Young Dolph,” the post reminded users. “He’s also charged with attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder of [the rapper].”

Judge Sets Hernandez Govan’s Bond in First-Degree Murder Case

BOND SET FOR HERNANDEZ GOVAN $90k: Hernandez Govan charged with the first-degree murder of Young Dolph. He’s also charged with attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder of Young Dolph. pic.twitter.com/UInjWd3HOT

— Jeremy Pierre FOX13 (@JeremypierreFOX) May 11, 2023

Following the news breaking earlier this morning, various blogs have reposted it, only to see upset reactions pouring in non-stop. “Should be no bond,” one person argued in @theshaderoom’s comments. “BOND! Bruh, they ’bout to turn UP in the city,” another user suggested, hinting at potential chaos unravelling in Memphis as a result of the ruling. “Mind y’all he really only need $9,000 to bond out… Crazy,” a third comment reminds readers, pointing out just how simple it’ll be for Govan to walk free as he awaits trial.

Dolph lost his life on November 17, 2021 during a targeted shooting at a cookie shop in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. An autopsy later revealed that he received 22 gunshot wounds, some of which hit his forehead and back. Five men (including Govan) have been accused of his murder, the others are Justin Johnson, Cornelius Smith, Jemarcus Johnson, and Shundale Barnett. Are you surprised by the news of Hernandez Govan’s low bond? Let us know in the comments below, and tap back in with HNHH later for any updates on Young Dolph’s murder trial. RIP.

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