Justin Johnson found guilty on all counts for role in Young Dolph's murder

At the culmination of a four-day trial, a jury found Justin Johnson guilty on all counts for his role in the fatal shooting of rapper Young Dolph in Memphis on Nov. 17, 2021.

The verdict came down about 4 hours after closing arguments wrapped up on Thursday.

The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict for each of the following charges: 

• Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder 

• First-degree murder 

• Convicted felon in possession of a firearm

  
  

He was sentenced to life in prison for the first degree murder charge by Judge Jennifer Johnson Mitchell. His sentencing for his felon in possession of a firearm and conspiracy to commit first degree murder will be decided on Nov. 1. Evans told the media he plans to appeal the conviction.

Johnson had no reaction to the verdicts coming down, but the family of Young Dolph could be seen nodding their heads up and down in agreement with the verdicts.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy thanked the trial team for their work on the case and congratulated them on the verdict. Mulroy said he and his office will continue to hold those responsible for Thornton's death accountable.

"We are obviously gratified by the jury's decision, we are very gratified that justice has been done in this case and will continue to make sure that all of those who are responsible for Young Dolph's death receive the punishment they deserve," Mulroy said.

Luke Evans, Johnson’s attorney, said that the state had not proven Johnson was involved in the killing at all. Evans emphasized that the DNA in the getaway car was not Johnson’s.

Evans also argued that there is no video evidence that shows Johnson getting into the getaway car.

Those arguments apparently failed to convince the jury brought in from Davidson County.

Evans said he would be appealing the verdicts.