Man pleads guilty to killing Memphis rapper Young Dolph
The final man charged in the shooting death of Young Dolph has pleaded guilty.
The 36-year-old rapper was shot around 20 times in a drive-by shooting at Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies in Memphis in November 2021.
On May 15th, Cornelius Smith pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Shelby County Criminal Court and was sentenced to 20 years in the Tennessee Department of Correction.
Speaking on the guilty plea, Deputy DA Paul Hagerman said, “Cornelius Smith pled guilty today to participating in the killing of Adolph Thornton Jr., more well-known as the rapper Dolph. Beyond his music, Thornton was a cherished Memphian, beloved by his family and friends, and a great believer in this city.”
He continued, “Smith cooperated in the prosecution and testified that he and Justin Johnson killed Dolph as part of a planned gang-related hit. Johnson was convicted as charged of all charges; his appeal has been heard and denied, and he is now serving a sentence in excess of life imprisonment.”
Hagerman went on to explain that Smith will serve the full sentence, while acknowledging that he admitted to his actions.
“Today, Smith received a 20-year sentence to be served without any chance of early release and without any parole. Smith’s participation in this crime is inexcusable, but Smith owned up to his crime, told the truth in court despite fear of retribution and threats, and has now accepted responsibility and received this long prison sentence.”
He added, “His cooperation was essential to the State’s case, and this was taken into consideration in this resolution.”
Smith was initially charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and theft of property over $10,000.