murder trial Archives - New Hip Hop News

YNW Melly’s Lawyer Puts Pressure On The State Ahead Of Murder Retrial

October 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

YNW Melly’s lawyer is attempting to get answers regarding upwards of 20 motions that remain outstanding in the rapper’s ongoing alleged double murder case. Appearing at a status hearing on Tuesday, attorney Raven Ramona Liberty demanded an explanation.

“I made several attempts to schedule the close to, I think, 15-20 motions that are still outstanding,” Liberty said, as noted by AllHipHop. “We could not get the state to agree with any dates and your office then told us not to contact them unless the state agrees to dates.” The judge responded: “I’ll give you dates and then whatever motions the defense wants me to hear, just file a notice of hearing. And just articulate on the notice of hearing these are the motions that are going to be heard. And then likewise, state, if you have anything you want me to hear, you can file a notice of hearing for the same date and time and say this is the motions that you want me to hear, and then I’ll hear them.”

YNW Melly Arrested In Florida

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – FEBRUARY 13: In this handout photo provided by the Broward’s Sheriff’s Office, rapper YNW Melly, real name Jamell Demons, is seen in a police booking photo after being charged with two counts of murder in the first degree February 13, 2019 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Demons allegedly conspired with Cortlen Henry to fatally shoot two other Florida based rappers, Christopher Thomas Jr and Anthony Williams, October 26. (Photo by Broward’s Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images)

When the prosecution argued that they were going to need a list of the motions, Liberty countered: “I gave her the list. Some of these motions—when I actually gave the list, I gave dates … I don’t think there’s any motion that I have filed that date goes past May. So to say we need time to respond, it’s October. They’ve had time to respond.”

Hearings regarding the motions are scheduled for January 2025. They mark yet another prolonged wait for Melly, who has been behind bars since his initial arrest in 2019. He stands accused of killing YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser. He originally stood trial in 2023, but the case ended in a mistrial. His retrial is scheduled for September 10, 2025. Be on the lookout for further updates on YNW Melly on HotNewHipHop.

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Wack 100 Tells Yo Gotti To “Say Your Prayers” As He Believes Feds Are Coming For Him Next

October 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Young Dolph muder trial has been seeing some major progess since it began about seven days ago. On September 26, one of the three suspects, Justin Johnson, was found guilty of first-degree murder leading to a life sentence. The other two alleged killers, Cornelius Smith and the supposed mastermind Hernandez Govan, are still awaiting their fate. Prior to this though, we have also come to learn that there was a lot of money involved. Some of that was for the hit that was allegedly placed by Yo Gotti’s deceased brother, Big Jook.

Furthermore, Cornelius Smith recently claimed that someone from CMG allegedly paid his $50,000 worth in attorney fees. “I don’t know exactly who. I didn’t get it in my hand”, he said in court. All of this has been very interesting, as Gotti and Dolph were far from friends. Ever since the mention of the former’s brother being mentioned in this murder trial, there is that question floating out there whether or not Gotti would get tied into this.

Cornelius Smith Did Say Someone From CMG (Yo Gotti?) Covered His Attorney Fees

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Well, controversial manager Wack 100 is of the belief that it’s pretty much guaranteed that Gotti will have to appear in court. In fact, he’s so sure that 100 is warning the latter to “say your prayers”. He feels that the alleged payment for the attorney of Cornelius Smith was the final piece to the puzzle. Whether or not Gotti is actual brought in remains to be seen. But with Govan and Smith still needing to find out their sentences, there’s time for this to happen for sure.

What are your thoughts on Wack 100 firmly believing that Yo Gotti will be taken into custody for the Young Dolph trial? Do you think the CMG boss was actually involved in his murder? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Wack 100, Yo Gotti, and the Young Dolph murder trial. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the world of music.

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Young Dolph Murder Case’s Remaining Suspects Will Return To Court To Face Trial

September 29, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Many folks still have unanswered questions after the court convicted one of three murder suspects in the Young Dolph case. On Thursday, the jury found gunman Justin Johnson guilty of first-degree murder and he received a life sentence in prison, leaving the other two suspects’ fates hanging in the balance. These individuals are Cornelius Smith (the other alleged gunman) and Hernandez Govan (the attack’s alleged mastermind). For those unaware, a fourth suspect in this case, Johnson’s brother Jermarcus, pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact and will faces a six to 12 year sentence. He will return to court on October 9 for his next scheduled hearing.

As for Smith and Govan, the court reportedly decided on when these men will face trial for the murder of Young Dolph, according to court documents allegedly obtained in an ABC24 Memphis report. Govan is scheduled to return to court on October 9 as well, whereas Smith’s next scheduled court date on November 15. Not only that, but this November court date could result in a verdict and sentence as well, although that’s a vague detail that emerged in these reports.

Young Dolph Performing In 2020

Young Dolph Trial Suspects Next Court Dates Update 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)

Other elements of the Young Dolph case involve how Smith and Jermarcus both testified against Justin. Smith claimed that he and Justin took up an offer to murder the rapper for an alleged $100K bounty supposedly set by Yo Gotti’s late brother Big Jook and Hernandez Govan. However, conflict arose when Smith allegedly only received $800 for the hit while on the run. “I’m going to jail anyway,” he responded to a prosecutor’s question about what folks offered him in exchange for his testimony. “I can get it off my chest. It’s my best out to be honest, to be truthful. Why play with these folks? They already know.”

Meanwhile, the Shelby County District’s Attorney, Steve Mulroy, told ABC24 Memphis that the court or jury will decide Smith and Govan’s fates through either a trial or a plea deal. In addition, he posited that this will depend on their cooperation. Young Dolph’s family has responded to Johnson’s conviction, and they await what happens next.

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Young Dolph Murder Suspect Found Guilty & Receives Sentence

September 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Young Dolph murder trial reached a verdict on Thursday afternoon (September 26), as the jury found its first suspect, alleged gunman Justin Johnson, guilty. Moreover, two trials could still potentially take place for the other two defendants: Cornelius Smith (another alleged gunman) and Hernandez Govan (the alleged mastermind). Earlier today, the prosecution explained why Govan did not take the stand today. The court found Johnson, 25, guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced him to life in prison. However, the court has yet to determine a timeline as to Govan and Smith, a deliberative process that already saw many ups and downs throughout this trial.

“I don’t want to go into too much detail,” Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy explained to reporters about Govan’s absence. “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.” Smith and Govan also face first-degree murder charges in the Young Dolph case. A fourth accomplice, Johnson’s brother Jermarcus, already pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder charges.

Young Dolph Murder Suspect Found Guilty

A jury Shelby County, Tennessee, has convicted Justin Johnson of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder for the November 2021 fatal shooting of rapper Young Dolph, legal name Adolph Thornton Jr. pic.twitter.com/SKjHDbmBlG

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) September 26, 2024

Furthermore, Johnson’s lawyer Luke Evans accused the prosecution of omitting Govan’s testimony because it would negatively affect their efforts in the Young Dolph case. “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 told the jury. “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?” “He is a defendant,” Paul Hagerman – Shelby County’s Deputy District Attorney – retorted. “He is not a missing witness. That would be be insane,” he added, defending Govan’s right to not incriminate himself.

Meanwhile, Young Dolph’s murder also faced some other allegations as far as who was responsible. Yo Gotti and his late brother Big Jook have been accused of being involved in this tragedy in some way. However, those remain unconfirmed and unfounded allegations at press time. We will see in due time what will happen to the other suspects in this case, and if more revelations follow.

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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’s Killer Alleges Yo Gotti’s Label Paid For His Legal Fees

September 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Young Dolph’s murder trial is finally underway, and already, some huge revelations have been made. Earlier this week, for example, Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman alleged that Yo Gotti’s late brother Big Jook put $100K on Young Dolph’s head. He went on to accuse Justin Johnson, one of the alleged killers, of shooting the Memphis rapper. According to Hagerman, Johnson was looking to sign with CMG and earn some cash.

“Big Jook, the person I told you about before, the number two guy at CMG, he’s put out a hit, a hit, $100,000 to whoever kills Dolph,” Hagerman said. “He has met with Justin (Johnson). He has met with Cornelius (Smith) and they think they’re ready to do it.” Now, one of the alleged killers has made yet another bombshell claim. According to Cornelius Smith, someone from CMG covered his $50K attorney fees, though he couldn’t confirm the amount or who paid them. “I don’t know exactly who,” he explained on the stand. “I didn’t get it in my hand.”

Cornelius Smith Takes The Stand Amid Young Dolph Murder Trial

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He added that after the shooting, it was weighing heavily on his conscience, but not enough to prevent him from accepting the money. “I already did it, I might as well,” he stated. This update also arrives just days after Smith revealed he wasn’t paid the amount he was allegedly promised. According to DJ Akademiks, he said he was paid a measly $800 for the shooting when he was expecting $40K.

What do you think of Young Dolph’s accused killers alleging that Yo Gotti’s label CMG covered their attorney fees? What about them claiming that they didn’t receive the money they were allegedly promised to carry out the murder? Does this claim surprise you or not? What do you think of the trial so far? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Young Dolph’s Alleged Shooter Says He Got Just $800 Of The Promised $40,000

September 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Day one of Young Dolph’s murder trial is presenting some interesting evidence so far. Prior to the hearing for Justin Johnson, Cornelius Smith, and Hernandez Govan, the latter was suspected to be organizer of the hit. However, Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman is claiming that Big Jook, the late brother of Yo Gotti, is the actual Govan. “Big Jook, the person I told you about before, the number two guy at CMG, he’s put out a hit… $100,000 to whoever kills Dolph. He has met with Justin. He has met with Cornelius and they think they’re ready to do it”.

Following that, attorneys would go on to present video surveillance footage of the day Dolph was ambushed. Even though it doesn’t show the entire shooting, it still reveals all people need to know. In the first update, it’s been said that Johnson was the lead gunman. His motivation for killing Dolph was that he was apparently looking to ink a deal with Yo Gotti’s CMG label. Given the two label heads past, this does sort of connect the dots. The other incentive was a reported $100,000 prize for carrying it out.

Young Dolph’s Alleged Assailant Got Swindled

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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

However, we are now coming to learn that Cornelius Smith, the other alleged shooter, was gyped out of a lot of money for his work. According to an update from DJ Akademiks, Smith told the judge that he was promised $40,000. Instead, he received just a measly $800 of that. There will assuredly be more to come, so stick around for any further updates.

What are your thoughts on Young Dolph’s alleged shooter receiving such a small amount of money for the hit despite the promise of $40,000? Are you buying this, why or why not? What are your thoughts on the first day of the trial so far? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Young Dolph and his ongoing murder trial. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the world of music.

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Young Dolph’s Murder Trial: Security Footage Of The Shooting Revealed In Court

September 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The three men charged with murder in the killing of Young Dolph, named Hernandez Govan, Justin Johnson, and Cornelius Smith, all began their trial on Monday morning. In court, attorneys revealed security footage from the infamous shooting that left the beloved Memphis rapper dead at the age of 26. In the clip, Dolph stops into Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies as a group of gunmen arrive to ambush him from behind.

During the opening statements, Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman accused the late Big Jook of putting out a $100,000 hit on Dolph. “Big Jook, the person I told you about before, the number two guy at CMG, he’s put out a hit, a hit, $100,000 to whoever kills Dolph,” Hagerman said, as caught by Fox 13′s Jeremy Pierre. “He has met with Justin (Johnson). He has met with Cornelius (Smith) and they think they’re ready to do it.” In addition to the money, Hagerman also claimed Justin Johnson was motivated to become the next big artist for Yo Gotti’s record label, CMG.

Young Dolph Performs During Rolling Loud New York

Ahead of the trial, Dolph’s family put out a statement addressing the upcoming legal drama. “As the trial approaches on Monday, September 23, 2024, for those accused in the tragic death of Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., known to millions as Young Dolph, his family wishes to express their hope for justice. We remain heartbroken over the loss of Adolph, and we have faith that the legal system will bring justice to all of those involved in this crime. This has been an unimaginable time for our family, but the love and support of the community has given us strength as we continue to process this situation,” they wrote. From there, they asked for privacy as they continue to watch the legal process unfold.

Security Footage Of The Young Dolph Shooting Surfaces

Check out the viral security footage from the killing of Young Dolph below. The trial will be continuing in the coming days. Be on the lookout for further updates on Young Dolph and the rest of the hearings on HotNewHipHop.

more footage of Young Dolph’s last moments before being killed revealed in court during his murder trial today, he was buying Makeda’s Homemade Cookies in Memphis

*Trigger Warning* pic.twitter.com/BqGCM4MCnW

— SOUND (@itsavibe) September 23, 2024

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Young Dolph Murder Trial’s Jury Has Been Selected Amid Trial Controversy

September 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The trial for the murder of Young Dolph will officially begin on Monday (September 23), as the court finally seated a jury for the proceedings. Moreover, this news comes from an ABC24 Memphis report from Friday (September 20) that indicates the three men suspected of planning and carrying out the attack will face trial in the Shelby Country Courthouse in Tennessee. Judge Jennifer Mitchell will oversee the trial of the alleged gunmen, Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith, whereas the alleged mastermind Hernandez Govan will face trial on the same day. But this new report is a big change from what we last heard about this case.

For those unaware, prosecutors previously indicated that only Johnson would stand trial on Monday, which left many confused and outraged. As such, it’s still a bit unclear whether or not this new report from ABC24 Memphis confirms that the court changed their approach, or if it’s just a missing piece of information that we’ve yet to clarify. Either way, we will find out what’s going on and who will face trial soon enough. Given that some suspects in the murder of Young Dolph have different charges, this could suggest why authorities seemingly went back and forth in their procedures.

Young Dolph Murder Trial Selects Its Jury

In addition, prosecutors refused to explain why Johnson was the only one who was going to stand trial on Monday due to a risk of compromising an active investigation. We haven’t heard anything about that probe, so we could simply assume that they will have all three defendants on trial on Monday. Young Dolph’s alleged killers, Johnson and Smith, face first-degree murder charges and other related felonies. Govan, who allegedly planned the hit, also received a conspiracy to commit first-degree murder charge.

Meanwhile, a fourth suspect in the Young Dolph case – Johnson’s brother Jermarcus – pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder charges. Some folks believe that he will testify against his colleagues in court, but we’ll have to wait and see. Elsewhere, Dolph’s loved ones and fans continue to keep his spirit alive passionately and with great dedication.
Rest In Peace Young Dolph.

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Young Dolph Trial’s Prosecutors Catch Heat For Only Trying One Of Three Suspects

September 20, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The murder trial of Young Dolph just got a bizarre update, as it seems like only one of three suspects charged with his murder will stand trial on Monday, September 23. According to FOX 13 Memphis, this announcement came from a spokesperson for the Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk’s Office, and they clarified that Justin Johnson (one of the alleged gunmen) will begin trial. However, many folks expressed outrage as to why the other two suspects will not begin their trial as well, despite the fact that the court scheduled them to appear on the same day. Moreover, the other suspects are the attack’s alleged mastermind Hernandez Govan and alleged gunman Cornelius Smith.

FOX 13 attempted to clarify this development with the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office on whether or not this will be one trial, multiple proceedings, and why the other two suspects will apparently not be tried starting Monday by prosecutors. On multiple occasions, the D.A.’s office reportedly stated that they could not answer their questions due to a risk of compromising a current investigation into Young Dolph’s murder. Johnson and Smith face charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder among others, whereas Govan faces a first-degree murder charge and a conspiracy to commit first-degree murder charge.

Young Dolph At Rolling Loud New York 2021

Young Dolph Trial Suspect Prosecutors Trying Only One Hip Hop News — NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 30: 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)

Furthermore, this is similar to the reasoning that prosecutors used last month to explain why they refused to clarify whether or not Govan would face trial alongside Johnson and Smith. The latter duo remains behind bars, and they have for over two years now. Govan, on the other hand, saw release in 2023 on bond. Elsewhere, a fourth suspect in Young Dolph’s murder, Justin Johnson’s brother Jermarcus, pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact in 2023 and has yet to receive his sentence.

Meanwhile, Young Dolph’s loved ones continue to honor his life and legacy. “Today I will live in gratitude, celebrating & cherishing every single memory we created in life together…” his partner Mia Jaye recently shared via Instagram on what would’ve been his 39th birthday. “Thank you for every lesson you taught us, sacrifice you made for us and for the beautiful spirit you graced the world with… May we continue to feel your presence through your absence… and may our eternal love reach you where your spirit resides… Happy Heavenly Birthday my love…”

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