Young Dolph's death once again drags at a snail's pace in court; the man accused of ordering the rapper's 2021 assassination will suffer further delay before a jury hears his case. The man accused of orchestrating the slaying of the popular Memphis rapper will stand trial on August 18, 2025. It's one more delay in a case that has already experienced its share of twists, turns, and tragedy in recent years. No reason has been given to the public for the delay, which was previously scheduled for July 28 and has now been reassigned as a report hearing.
Govan faces charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, with prosecutors accusing him of having played a significant role in arranging the hit that resulted in Young Dolph's killing. The rapper, whose independent grind and allegiance to the city that raised him were nothing short of legendary, was ambushed and killed at Makeda's Homemade Butter Cookies on November 17, 2021, a moment that left the Memphis community and rap world reeling.
Although a plea deal was offered late last year, Govan declined it. On December 13, 2024, he made clear that he was going to trial, declining what some suspected could have been a more expeditious route through the justice system.
The case has already led to the downfall of other members involved in the killing. Justin Johnson, a rapper who performed as "Straight Drop," was convicted on several charges, including first-degree murder, and sentenced to life in prison, with a life sentence on Friday, in addition to another 50 years served concurrently. Cornelius Smith, another central figure in the case, made a plea bargain and offered damning testimony at Johnson's trial.
According to Smith, the $100,000 was placed by "Big Jook," a passed relative of another Memphis rhymer, Yo Gotti. Smith said they were promised $40,000 each for the job, but received only $800, a sad twist in a tawdry tale. He also said in the interview that his legal bills had been paid with assistance from CMG, Yo Gotti's record label.
Unfortunately, "Big Jook" himself was murdered earlier this year, shot on January 14, 2025, immediately after leaving a repass for a family member. His death was one more layer of mystery and violence on a story already heavy with loss.
The web extends further. Related: Swartz family wants peace; GOP lawmaker says the latest was 'craziness'. Jermarcus Johnson, a cousin of Justin Johnson, also got caught up in the aftermath. He assisted the suspects in exchanging messages while they were on the run, and he was sentenced to probation for his role.
All eyes are now on Govan, the last remaining defendant in the high-profile case to be brought to trial. He remains in custody as of June 30, 2025, with the next court date scheduled for July 28. That hearing could finally end this, or it might just mark the latest stop on this long, painful road to justice for Young Dolph.
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