Justin Johnson has been sentenced to an additional 35 years in prison after already being handed a life sentence for the murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, as reported by Action News 5. The sentence includes 35 years for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and 15 for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. These sentences will be served concurrently but consecutively to the life sentence.
At the sentencing that took place on Friday, sentiments were high as a statement from Young Dolph's family was heard, detailing their loss and the impact that Johnson's actions had left behind. As reported by Local Memphis, the family's statement read, "To the one responsible for taking him from us just know this: You may deny your actions but the evidence speaks clearly," adding, "You showed yourself to be driven by jealousy and cowardice."
According to Action News 5, the murder, which took place in November 2021 at Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies, shook the local community. Justin Johnson's additional sentencing came after he was found guilty on Sept. 26 of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun. Following the conviction, Johnson had sought a new trial, claiming insufficient evidence, but the motion was denied, WREG reported.
Presiding Judge Jennifer Mitchell, who was handed the responsibility of adding years to Johnson's life behind bars, was faced with the state's recommendation for consecutive sentencing. Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman, detailed by the Local Memphis, suggested 40 and 20 years in prison for the conspiracy and firearm charges, respectively. However, Johnson's attorney Luke Evans argued that consecutive sentences were not necessary due to the current life sentence's non-eligibility for parole until Johnson's mid to late 70s.
