Posted by Cornelius Smith, one of the individuals charged in the November 2021 murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. The sentencing follows Smith’s decision to accept a plea deal, marking a significant development in the high-profile case.
On Friday, May 15, 2026, Smith appeared at a hearing in Memphis, where he formally pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. As part of the plea agreement, the 32-year-old saw his initial charges—which included first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and attempted first-degree murder—dropped. Smith is expected to receive credit for time already served, leaving him with approximately 15 years remaining on his sentence.
Cooperation and Legal Resolution
Smith’s cooperation with the prosecution was described as a vital component in the legal proceedings, particularly in securing a conviction against Justin Johnson, the second gunman involved in the shooting. Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman addressed the media following the hearing, noting that the victim’s family had been kept informed throughout the process.
“From his arrest until now, Cornelius has accepted responsibility, and he’s agreed to cooperate,” Hagerman stated. “I think we struck a balance of something that’s firm and something that gave them a measure of justice that they wanted.”
Smith testified that he and Johnson were executing a hit orchestrated by Big Jook, the late brother of rapper Yo Gotti. While Johnson was previously found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison plus 35 years, the case against the alleged mastermind, Hernandez Govan, concluded last summer when he was cleared of all charges.