MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A jury acquitted a man on Thursday of charges related to the daytime ambush killing of rapper Young Dolph at a Memphis bakery in November 2021.
After about three hours of deliberation, the jury found 45-year-old Hernandez Govan not guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Govan expressed his gratitude to his attorney and the Shelby County Judge Jennifer Mitchell when he learned he was free to go.
Govan was not alleged to have fired the shots that killed Young Dolph but was accused of orchestrating the attack. Despite testimony from a man claiming Govan hired him to carry out the shootings for a payment of $10,000, the jury was not convinced.
Govan’s lawyer challenged the credibility of the investigation and questioned the significance of cellphone communications tied to Govan and the assailants, arguing that nothing directly linked him to the crime. “The jurors saw the holes in the case,” said attorney Manny Arora.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy expressed disappointment over the ruling and acknowledged the pain it has caused Young Dolph’s family.
Young Dolph: A Shocking Loss for Memphis
Young Dolph, born Adolph Thornton Jr., was an admired figure in Memphis, known for both his music and charitable contributions. He was shot multiple times outside a cookie shop while distributing Thanksgiving turkeys, leading to an outpouring of grief throughout the community and the music industry.
Prosecution’s Argument of Rivalry
Prosecutors claimed the killing stemmed from a feud involving Anthony “Big Jook” Mims seeking revenge for Young Dolph’s diss tracks. Testimony indicated Mims had placed a $100,000 bounty on Young Dolph, reflecting the intense rivalries in the Memphis rap scene.
Defense Strategies and Doubts on Credibility
Defense lawyer Manny Arora portrayed the key witness, Cornelius Smith Jr., as unreliable, alleging he was a “pathological liar” looking to reduce his own sentence. The defense raised questions about the ongoing investigation and the reliability of evidence against Govan.
Young Dolph’s Music Legacy
Young Dolph was celebrated for releasing numerous mixtapes, with several albums achieving significant success on the Billboard 200. His 2020 album “Rich Slave” peaked at No. 4, showcasing the impact of his music career.
