In a significant turn of events surrounding the murder of renowned rapper Young Dolph, Justin Johnson, convicted for his role in the fatal shooting, has filed a motion seeking a new trial. Johnson, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in September after being found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and illegal possession of a firearm, is challenging the outcomes of his trial, citing multiple alleged errors.
Johnson’s attorney, Luke Evans, argues that the conviction was not supported by the weight of the evidence presented. Evans contends that the trial was marred by the admission of disturbing crime scene and autopsy photographs, which may have unduly influenced the jury. Furthermore, Evans criticized the court’s decision to deny Johnson’s requests to sit at the counsel table, claiming these cumulative errors warrant a retrial.
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The case also involves Cornelius Smith, another key figure who testified against Johnson. Smith, facing charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and attempted murder, is slated for a court hearing on November 15. During the trial, Smith confessed to being one of the gunmen who attacked Young Dolph, revealing that he and Johnson were allegedly recruited by Hernandez Govan to execute the hit for a $100,000 bounty orchestrated by Big Jook, the brother of rapper Yo Gotti.
Mark Curry recalls working with Young Dolph
Hernandez Govan, who was implicated in the scheme and struck a proffer agreement during the investigation, faces similar charges. Prosecutors have given Govan a deadline until November 22 to consider a plea deal, with his trial set for March 2025 if no agreement is reached.
This case continues to unfold with high public interest, as the legal battles and revelations shed light on the complex web of events leading to the tragic death of Young Dolph in 2021.
