Overview

• The Memphis trial began August 18 with Hernandez Govan charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and attempted murder in Young Dolph’s 2021 killing, though he is not accused of firing shots.
• Admitted gunman Cornelius Smith Jr. testified that Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, ordered a $100,000 hit and that Govan recruited him with a promised $10,000 cut.
• Smith described trailing Young Dolph to a cookie shop during a Thanksgiving charity visit, where the rapper was shot 22 times and died at the scene.
• Prosecutors introduced surveillance and cellphone records showing calls between Smith and Justin Johnson before the shooting and a call between Johnson and Big Jook immediately afterward.
• Govan’s attorney attacked Smith’s credibility and highlighted cash sent to Smith’s lawyer, while noting Smith still faces charges and has pleaded not guilty; Govan rejected a plea offer last month and Justin Johnson was sentenced to life in 2024.