Overview

• A Shelby County jury found Govan not guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and attempted murder after brief deliberations that stretched over two days.
• Prosecutors argued Govan organized the 2021 ambush outside Makeda’s Homemade Cookies, relying on testimony from Cornelius Smith Jr., who said Govan recruited him, supplied weapons, and alerted him to Young Dolph’s whereabouts.
• The defense attacked Smith’s credibility, questioned the Memphis police investigation and cellphone evidence, and Govan did not take the stand.
• Justin Johnson, identified as one of the gunmen, was convicted in 2024 and is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder.
• Smith remains charged without a set trial date or finalized plea, and defense arguments highlighted unresolved leads, including references to “Big Jook” and alleged bounty claims.