What role did Hernandez Govan play in Young Dolph’s murder? What we know as court revisits evidence in second trial

Hernandez Govan has been accused of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and first-degree murder in relation to the death of rapper Young Dolph. Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., famously known by the stage name Young Dolph, was assassinated near a Memphis bakery on 17 November 2021.

According to the Commercial Appeal, an autopsy showed the rapper had about 22 gunshot wounds. He was 36. Hernandez Govan’s trial began on August 18, with prosecutors alleging he directed two men to carry out the shooting against Young Dolph.

Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Irris Williams, in the August 18 opening statement, said:

"Adolph Thornton just wasn't Adolph Thornton. He was known across the city as Young Dolph, a musician. His music, his artistry, his journey, his ambition inspired and spoke to this city in ways that a lot of artists just couldn't do. Thornton made his own way in the music industry, and he created a record label, PRE, Paper Route Empire."

According to prosecutors, as reported by CBS News, Young Dolph was killed in retaliation for diss tracks against Anthony “Big Jook” Mims and Yo Gotti’s label. Big Jook was assassinated outside an East Memphis restaurant in January 2024.

Cornelius Smith Jr. testifies against Hernandez Govan

Cornelius Smith Jr., arrested in 2021, is the first suspect in Young Dolph's case who testified against Hernandez Govan on August 18. In his statement, he said that Govan told him about the hits and informed him and Johnson that Young Dolph would be in Memphis for the event, calling it their 'opportunity.' In return, he was about to take $10,000 as his share.

Smith has also been a key witness in past cases, including against Justin Johnson in 2024. However, Smith’s statement against Hernandez Govan was challenged by defense attorney Manny Arora, who said he just wants a reduced sentence, noting his shifting testimony and unexplained cash payments linked to Big Jook:

"Cornelius Smith has made at least five different statements to law enforcement over the last year, where everything changes. He's been met with the prosecution at least five or six times to go over his testimony prior to testifying here today. So you should ask yourself the question that the judge instructed you: did somebody have a reason to lie? Did someone have an interest in the outcome?"

Additionally, Arora also questioned the reliability of cell tower records and pointed out that Smith’s audio statement didn’t directly link Govan to the hit or the $100,000 payment.

Young Dolph’s funeral took place on November 30. According to Local Memphis, Hernandez Govan’s trial proceedings are scheduled to resume on Tuesday morning.

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