Memphis Jury Finds Hernandez Govan Not Guilty in Young Dolph Ambush Killing

Hernandez Govan, 45, has been found not guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the 2021 ambush killing of rapper Young Dolph. A Memphis jury reached the verdict after approximately three hours of deliberation. Govan had previously rejected a plea deal offered by the state. Following the verdict, he embraced his lawyer and thanked the judge.

Prosecutors had alleged that Govan orchestrated the killing, despite not being the shooter. The prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimony of a man who claimed Govan hired him to carry out the attack. However, the jury was not convinced. Govan's defense attorney questioned the police investigation and the validity of cellphone communications presented as evidence, arguing they did not directly implicate Govan.

Young Dolph, whose legal name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was a respected rapper, label owner, and producer from Memphis. He was known for his charitable work in the city. The fatal shooting occurred in his hometown during a visit to a cookie shop while he was in town to distribute Thanksgiving turkeys. Authorities reported that two individuals exited a white Mercedes-Benz and opened fire, resulting in the rapper's death.

The case involved multiple individuals and prior incidents. Four years before the fatal shooting, Young Dolph survived a previous attack. The key witness against Govan, Cornelius Smith Jr., admitted to being one of the shooters. Smith had previously testified against Justin Johnson, who was convicted of first-degree murder in 2024. Smith faces charges related to Young Dolph's death and has pleaded not guilty. Johnson received a life sentence with the possibility of parole, plus additional years for other convictions.

Prosecutors suggested the killing was motivated by a feud between Young Dolph and Anthony "Big Jook" Mims, who sought revenge for diss tracks. Smith testified that Big Jook offered a substantial reward for Young Dolph's death. At Johnson's trial, it was revealed that a rival record label had attempted to recruit Young Dolph. Big Jook was later killed in January 2024.

During the trial, Smith testified that Govan hired him and provided weapons for the killing, also informing him of Young Dolph's location for the turkey giveaway. The prosecution presented numerous cellphone communications as evidence. Govan's defense attorney attempted to discredit Smith, highlighting inconsistencies in his testimony and questioning his credibility. Smith also testified that he had heard Govan might be working with the FBI. Govan did not testify in his own defense.