suspects

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

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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.

Read More: Young Dolph’s Convicted Killer Shares Cryptic Message About Snitching After Receiving Life Sentence

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.

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

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

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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.

Read More: Mia Jaye Pays Tribute To Young Dolph With Loving Birthday Post

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.

Read More: Welcome Home, Ralo: Rapper Talks New Album, Standing On Principles & His Loyalty To Young Dolph

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

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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.

Read More: Welcome Home, Ralo: Rapper Talks New Album, Standing On Principles & His Loyalty To Young Dolph

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…”

Read More: Ralo Celebrates Young Dolph’s 39th Birthday With Moving Tribute

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Foolio’s Murder: Suspects To Remain In Jail After Being Denied Bond

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Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, and Alicia Andrews, the three suspects who are facing murder charges for the killing of Foolio, will remain behind bars after a judge denied their attempts at getting out on bond. Prosecutors say the group remains “a danger to the community.” Foolio was shot and killed on June 23 at a hotel parking lot in Tampa, Florida. He had been celebrating his 26th birthday.

“Each of the three defendants played a role in the ambush and brutal murder of Charles Jones,” State Attorney Suzy Lopez said in a statement. “The evidence of this coordinated attack is overwhelming, and our community is safer when they are behind bars. Our prosecutors will continue to build a strong case on the road to a trial that will allow us to bring justice to the victims and their families.”

Read More: Charleston White’s Insensitive Reaction To Foolio’s Tragic Death Goes Viral

Suspect Will Stay Behind Bars

 
 
 
 
 
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Chance, Gathright, and Andrews aren’t the only suspects police have arrested in connection to the killing.
They also later arrested 30-year-old Rashad Murphy and have a warrant out for 27-year-old Davion Murphy. Authorities have requested that anyone with pertinent information that could help the ongoing investigation come forward. The Tampa Police Department can be reached at 813-231-6130 or Crimestoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-TIPS.

Police Make A Fourth Arrest

Prior to his death, Foolio had been staying at an Airbnb but was asked to leave due to exceeding occupancy limits. Several gunmen ambushed him while he was trying to get a room at a nearby Holiday Inn soon afterward. He had posted several times on social media about being in Tampa. Police previously released security camera footage from the attack that quickly went viral on social media for how detailed and clearly it presented the situation. DJ Akademiks described it as the “clearest Surveillance footage I’ve ever seen” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Be on the lookout for further updates on Foolio on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Foolio’s Girlfriend Shares Heart-Wrenching Messages Following His Death

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Foolio Murder: Police Arrest 4th Suspect Amid Investigation

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Police have arrested a fourth suspect, 30-year-old Rashad Murphy, in the killing of Foolio. The update comes following the announcement of the arrests of three previous suspects on Monday morning. Foolio was shot and killed in Tampa, Florida while celebrating his 26th birthday.

In a statement put out by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on social media, they revealed that they tracked Murphy to an apartment complex on Monday night. “JSO CPR, Gang, and SWAT units surrounded the unit and helped evacuate nearby residents,” the statement explained. “After hours of negotiators attempting to talk Murphy out, with assistance from patrol and the UAS Unit, SWAT operators used tactics to force the man out. Murphy surrendered just after midnight.” Police are still looking for a fifth suspect they believe to have been involved in the shooting. “There’s no place you’ll be able to hide if you commit crime in Jacksonville or any other city in the state of Florida,” said Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters.

Read More: Charleston White’s Insensitive Reaction To Foolio’s Tragic Death Goes Viral

Police Arrest 4th Suspect

Foolio was murdered on June 23. He was staying at an Airbnb before being asked to leave due to exceeding occupancy limits. He ended up seeking a room at a nearby Holiday Inn when he was ambushed by a group of gunmen. Foolio had shared that he was in Tampa on his Instagram page prior to the attack.

Police Announce Initial Arrests

In addition to announcing arrests in the killing, police also shared security camera footage from the incident on Monday. The clips of the attack have been going viral for how detailed and clear they are. DJ Akademiks, for one, was in awe at the videos. “They got the clearest Surveillance footage I’ve ever seen in Foolio case,” Akademiks wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday afternoon. “N****s this aint even 4K.. n***a this 16K… I watched movies in iMAX that didn’t have this quality. n***a im seeing the bullets leave each gun. I’m seeing their heart beat through their shirt. Crazy.” Be on the lookout for further updates on the investigation into Foolio’s murder on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Foolio’s Family Reportedly Held A Private Funeral Ceremony In Jacksonville

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Tiwa Savage Nearly Kidnapped, Singer-Songwriter Safe After Nigerian Police Find Four Suspects

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Being a celebrity certainly comes with its perks, but of course, there are major risks involved too. Tiwa Savage learned that the hard way this month, according to The Guardian. The 41-year-old nearly fell victim to a kidnapping plot put together by her newly-hired domestic staff. They’ve since been taken into police custody in Nigeria. Details surrounding their plan remain sparse at this time. We do know that Savage’s employees were entrusted with her personal and private information. They later passed that on to others who were hoping to capture her.

Thankfully, the singer-songwriter’s security team and local authorities acted swiftly. Nigerian Police Force Criminal Investigation Department spokesperson Oluniyi Ogundeyi spoke with the media earlier this weekend, confirming that Savage’s safety is a top priority. “Yes, we have some suspects. They are in our custody, they are about four,” the African officer reported. As AllHipHop notes, the update comes quickly following news of the kidnapping on Friday (April 14), via a memo on the Lagos native’s Instagram page.

Tiwa Savage Confirms Her Safety

“Following recent reports online, we can confirm that on Thursday 13 April 2023, there was a major security breach at the residence of musician Tiwa Savage,” it begins. “A number of suspects were caught and are currently being held under investigation at Alagbon Police Station, Ikoyi,” the update also noted before confirming that the mother of one and her family “are safe and well.” In the comment section, many fans expressed concern for the talented starlet following the near tragedy. “Shay you go come and stay with me for a while? 😞😣,” one person asked.

Another obviously upset user wrote, “They wan go rob her 😢. They want that her ice necklace 😢. Imagine the mindset of some men just ‘cos they think she is a single woman so they can just go rob her anyhow. Chai. Jail straight and I don’t know why they were not shot at sight.” In her caption, Tiwa Savage addressed all the love she’s been receiving, writing, “Thanks for all the messages ❤ All is well 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾.” Check back later for any updates on the recent arrests and your favourite artists.

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Prosecutor Labels XXXTentacion’s Alleged Killers “Predators”

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Florida prosecutor Pascale Achille called the alleged killers of XXXTentacion “predators” during closing arguments to the jury on Tuesday. In doing so, she played cellphone videos that showed the defendants smiling and dancing just hours after the murder as they flashed $100 bills for the camera. The three men are co-defendants Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams, and Trayvon Newsome. They are all charged with first-degree murder and face mandatory life sentences if convicted.

“This is who they are. This is their real character. Killers that within 24 hours after shooting the victim dead and stealing $50,000 from him, this is what they do,” Achille told the jury as she played the video. “Look at how happy they look. Look at how excited they look.”

XXXTentacion Tribute In L.A.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: A view of a tribute to slain rapper XXXtentacion during day 2 of Rolling Loud Festival at Banc of California Stadium on December 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

In the trial, Boatwright, 28, is accused of being the shooter, while Newsome, 24, is accused of being a separate gunman. Williams, 26, is accused of being the driver for the crime. A fourth suspect, Robert Allen, 26, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, last year, and testified against the three men.

One of the strategies defense attorneys tried to use was to pin the killing on Drake. Attorney Mauricio Padilla cited an Instagram post from XXXTentacion in which he claimed, “If anyone tries to kill me it was @champagnepapi [Drake]. I’m snitching RN.” X later quickly deleted the post and retracted the statement, claiming his account had been hacked. “Before X died, he said, ‘If anybody kills me, it’s Drake.’ Do you think sitting here years later, any detective has ever asked Drake or anybody like that? No,” Padilla argued, according to Complex. “This is one of the biggest celebrities in the world. Excluding an order from this court, we all know that I will never be able to take his deposition.” Attorneys eventually got a deposition scheduled for Drake on February 24, but the Toronto rapper ended up being able to get out of it.

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