Jermarcus Johnson admitted his involvement in the aftermath of rapper Young Dolph's tragic death, pleading guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact. This plea agreement allows him to avoid a trial for his role in assisting the two alleged gunmen following the 2021 Memphis bakery ambush.
Johnson confessed to aiding communication between the two suspects while they evaded authorities. He also admitted to helping one of the alleged shooters, his half-brother Justin Johnson, interact with his probation officer after the incident. As part of his plea, Jermarcus Johnson acknowledged receiving a vehicle from Justin Johnson and identified a photograph of his half-brother wearing attire matching that of one of the shooters on the day of the murder. The prosecution clarified that Johnson was not directly involved in the rapper's killing.
This guilty plea marks the first conviction in the high-profile case that shocked the music world and the city of Memphis. Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was purchasing cookies at a local bakery when he was fatally shot. Three other men, including Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith, the alleged gunmen, and Hernandez Govan, accused of orchestrating the murder, have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.
Young Dolph performing in Atlanta in 2020. (Photo by Paul R. Giunta/Invision/AP, File)
The motive behind Young Dolph's murder remains undisclosed. The rapper was known for his philanthropy and entrepreneurial success in Memphis. He was visiting the city to see family and participate in Thanksgiving charity events when he was killed. Following his death, the city honored Young Dolph by naming a street after him, and the Memphis Grizzlies paid tribute during an NBA game. Murals commemorating the rapper have appeared throughout Memphis, and a temporary museum dedicated to his life and work opened earlier this year.
The bakery where the shooting occurred, Makeda’s Homemade Cookies, temporarily closed as it became a memorial site for the artist but has since reopened. While Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith remain incarcerated, Hernandez Govan was granted bail with house arrest due to health concerns. Jermarcus Johnson's sentencing is scheduled for August 10, where he faces a potential prison sentence of six to twelve years. He may also be called to testify in future trials related to the case.
