Man wanted for murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, says US Marshals – FOX13 News Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this story mistakenly associated a different suspect in this case. This suspect is not associated with the murder of Young Dolph. We regret any confusion.

Law enforcement has announced the name of a wanted man in connection with the murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph.

Justin Johnson, 23, reportedly shot Young Dolph, real name Adolph Robert Thorton Jr., at Makeda’s Homemade Cookies on November 17, 2021, according to the US Marshals Service.

PHOTOS: Fans pay tribute to Memphis Young Dolph rapper

The US Marshals, who are working with Memphis Police and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation on the case, said Johnson is wanted for first degree murder for the death of Young Dolph.

According to the US Marshals, since Johnson was able to escape arrest, law enforcement is now offering a combined reward of $ 15,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Johnson has been added to the TBI’s “most wanted” list.

Murder of Young Dolph: MPD releases photos of wanted suspects in murder of beloved Memphian

The US Marshals said Johnson was 23 years old, around 5 feet 8 inches and 190 pounds, and had the name “Jaiya” tattooed on his right arm.

In addition to the first degree murder charge, Johnson also faces charges of attempted first degree murder and theft of property between $ 10,000 and $ 60,000.

According to law enforcement, Johnson has ties to organized criminal gangs and should be viewed as armed and dangerous. If you have any information on Johnson’s whereabouts, the US Marshals invite you to call them at 901-275-4562, 901-601-1575, or 731-571-0280.

THE DEATH OF THE YOUNG DOLPH

Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., known to his fans as Young Dolph, was gunned down in broad daylight at Makeda’s Homemade Cookies in his hometown Memphis on November 17, 2021.

Two people stopped at the bakery and jumped out of a white Mercedes, ran past Young Dolph’s camouflage Corvette, to the window, and opened fire.

Murder of young Dolph: MPD releases photos of wanted suspects in murder of beloved Memphian

By the time the paramedics arrived, Young Dolph was dead.

Maurice Hill, the owner of the store where the shooting took place, Makeda’s Butter Cookies, told FOX13 his employees said Young Dolph, 36, entered the store to buy cookies. Someone then came in and shot him dead at the bakery in Memphis.

Immediately after the shooting, hundreds of people flocked to the area as headlines grabbed world headlines. Tensions erupted and raw emotion overflowed. People were lying on the ground crying. Some spectators called for an end to gun violence and for peace. Others cursed and expressed their anger at the loss of the Memphis icon.

The next day, a makeshift memorial began to grow outside the boarded up cookie shop, paying tribute to the Memphis rapper who was also well known for giving back to his former Memphis high school, Hamilton High School, and distributing turkeys all over town on Thanksgiving.

PHOTOS: Memorial to Young Dolph continues to grow

He was to distribute turkeys at St. James Baptist Missionary Church the following Friday between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Memphis Police have found the car driven by the suspects in the Young Dolph shooting on Saturday, November 20 in the 1100 Bradley block in Orange Mound.

THE YOUNG DOLPH’S LEGACY

On Wednesday, November 24 – a week after the rapper’s death – Young Dolph’s family released a statement.

“There are no words that sufficiently express the pain we feel as a family. Losing Adolph, Dolph, Man-Man, changes our lives forever. And while we take each day as it comes, we are reassured to know that he is leaving a legacy that reflects his heart, a heart that was for his family, a heart that was for the people.

Young Dolph’s family includes his cousin and fellow rapper from Memphis Key Glock, whose real name is Markeyvius LaShun Cathey.

RELATED: Memphis Key Glock Rapper Opens Up About Young Dolph Murder

Young Dolph’s record label Paper Route Empire hosted one of their annual turkey giveaways on Thanksgiving Day, continuing the rapper’s legacy of giving back to the community.

Young Dolph was buried on Tuesday, November 20. A service was held at First Baptist Church Broad Street. Next, the family trailer of black SUVs was escorted by Memphis security and police to the cemetery opposite Hamilton High School, Young Dolph’s alma mater.

On December 16, a public ceremony was held at FedExForum where fans had the chance to say goodbye to the beloved rapper.

PHOTOS: Young Dolph’s Life Celebration Ceremony at FedExForum

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