Incident Overview
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Date of killing: November 17, 2021
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Location: Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies bakery in Memphis, Tennessee. Young Dolph was fatally shot while visiting this local favorite during Thanksgiving—a time he was known for giving back to the community.PitchforkWikipediaCNNABC7 New YorkCBS News
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Details of the attack: Surveillance footage captured two masked gunmen exiting a white two-door Mercedes-Benz and shooting him inside the bakery. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds.CNNAJCWikipedia
Investigation & Legal Developments
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Arrests and charges:
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Justin Johnson (aka “Straight Drop”): Arrested in early January 2022, later convicted and sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder and related charges.People.comCNNWikipedia
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Cornelius Smith: Arrested and charged, testified against co-defendants, and is awaiting trial.People.comCNNWikipedia
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Hernandez Govan: Alleged mastermind, accused of orchestrating the ambush. His trial began in Memphis in August 2025.AP NewsWikipedia
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Testimony & motives:
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Prosecutors presented testimony that Govan conspired to kill Young Dolph, providing details of his whereabouts and offering monetary incentive for the hit.AP NewsPeople.com
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The motive is believed to have been retaliation linked to long-standing rivalries in the Memphis music scene.AP NewsPeople.com
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Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Young Dolph (Adolph Robert Thornton Jr.), 36 years old |
| Location | Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies, Memphis, TN |
| Date | November 17, 2021 |
| Perpetrators | Two masked shooters; material aid and orchestration by Govan, Johnson, Smith |
| Threat Assessment | Targeted killing, believed to be motivated by professional conflict and financial incentive |
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