MEMPHIS, Tenn. — (WREG) Memphis-based rapper young dolphin was killed in a shooting at a cookie store in Memphis on Wednesday, according to preliminary information from Memphis police. He was 36 years old.
Memphis police were at the scene of a shooting Wednesday afternoon at 2370 Airways Boulevard near Ketchum in Memphis.
Officers and witnesses could be seen outside a shattered window at Makeda’s Butter Cookies, a bakery in a mall Young Dolph had recently visited. See the video of his visit to Makeda in July.
A man who answered the phone and identified himself as the owner of Makeda’s confirmed that the rapper had just bought cookies at the store before the shooting.
“This shooting is yet another example of the senseless gun violence we are experiencing locally and across the country,” Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis said in a tweet.
Police have not released any information about a suspect and have requested information from the public.
The Facebook Live video shows the moments after the shooting. | DISCLAIMER: GRAPHICS AND LANGUAGE
Young Dolph, real name Adolph Thorton Jr., was a graduate of Hamilton High School in Memphis. Last year he donated $25,000 to the school for new sports equipment and supplies.
Young Dolph’s debut album, King of Memphis, was released in 2016 and reached No. 49 on the Billboard charts. His hits include “Get Paid”.
On Monday, he was at the West Cancer Center near Memphis with rapper Key Glock to donate 200 Thanksgiving turkeys.
Airways Boulevard, which passes in front of the scene, would be backtracked to Interstate 240. Police have asked drivers to avoid the area, which is near the Memphis airport.
The threat of violent retaliation and unrest prompted State Representative London Lamar of Memphis and Councilman JB Smiley to call for a citywide curfew on Wednesday night.
At one point, a woman in a truck pulled up to the scene, telling police she had a gunshot victim in her vehicle. This shooting was apparently unrelated to the Young Dolph shooting. EMTS began treating the man at the scene.
Young Dolph was previously the victim of a shooting during a fight at Loew’s Hollywood Hotel in 2017 in Los Angeles. One person was jailed for attempted murder in the case, but was released without charge.
Earlier that year, rapper Blac Youngsta, who signed with Yo Gotti, was charged with firing more than 100 shots at Dolph’s SUV in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Social media exploded with tributes to Young Dolph.
“God bless Dolph. True indie rapper from Memphis born in Chicago. loved by millions of people. I’ve always shown love every time I’ve seen him tragic God bless his family man,” Chance the Rapper tweeted.
“Sending love to family, friends and fans of @YoungDolph Rest in power young Brother. I pray that your children and family will be covered and nurtured by the Almighty,” LL Cool J wrote on Twitter.
“I hope these rumors aren’t true about my friend, my brother and a man dear to my sons @YoungDolph . Lord, help us as a people to stop hatred, violence and despair. When we realize we matter, others will too. Lord, help us now. Deion Sanders wrote on Twitter.
“The tragic shooting death of rapper Young Dolph is another reminder of the pain that violent crime brings. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said.
“Proud Hamiltonian and generous supporter of @SCSK12Unified, this young father’s life was tragically ended in gun violence. Let’s continue to Raise the Alarm and call for PEACE in our city! Shelby County Schools Superintendent , Dr. Joris Ray, said on Twitter.
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