Men wanted in murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph in police custody, sources say – WSB-TV Channel 2

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Jul 18, 2022

WATCH: SOURCES: Both men wanted in murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph in police custody

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The gunmen wanted in the murder of beloved Memphis rapper Young Dolph are now in custody, law enforcement sources confirmed to FOX 13 Memphis, WSB-TV’s sister station.

Three independent sources say the second alleged shooter, Cornelius Smith, was also arrested and incarcerated in the Shelby County jail, charged with first-degree murder for a crime that occurred on November 17, the day Young Dolph was killed. .

Johnson’s arrest comes less than a week after marshals identified him as one of those responsible for the death of Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Robert Thornton Jr.

A $15,000 reward for information leading to Johnson’s arrest has been announced by the US Marshals Service, which believes Johnson was one of two people who opened fire on the famous rapper on November 17, 2021. while inside Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies on Airway Boulevard.

Johnson faces charges of first degree murder and theft of property between $10,000 and $60,000.

Smith is also charged with first degree murder. The 33-year-old is also charged with attempted first-degree murder, unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon, use of a firearm with intent to commit a crime and theft of property between $10,000 and $60,000.

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Prior to his alleged involvement in the murder of Young Dolph, Johnson, who reportedly rapped under the stage name Straight Drop, was arrested for a triple shooting at Billy Hardwick’s All Star Lanes bowling alley on White Station Road in 2017.

But Johnson’s five-year sentence for that shooting ended after just a few months when a judge granted his release.

“It’s called the Department of Corrections and not the Department of Sanctions,” said Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Chris Craft, who approved the motion to suspend Johnson’s five-year sentence after serving a little over five months.

After Dolph’s murder, The Atlanta artists took to social media to share their condolences at the loss of their friend and peer.

“This One Hurt”, rapper said Quavo from Migos.

Gucci Mane said: “It broke my heart.”

The city of Memphis renamed a street for Dolph in the same area where he grew up and was also shot.

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Memphis rapper Young Dolph killed in shooting, report says (DTM)