As the judicial process unwinds, Hernandez Govan, the man accused of masterminding the murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, is set to return to court today. Already out on bond for the past year and a half, Govan faces a multitude of charges, including attempted and first-degree murder as well as conspiracy. According to Action News 5, Govan's potential acceptance of a plea deal is pending and the deadline coincides with his court appearance today.
The story has developed layers, with each revelation seemingly more tangled than the last. Govan's alleged involvement was brought to light during the trial of Justin Johnson, who has since been sentenced to life imprisonment. In a statement obtained by WREG, Smith testified that Govan was to have facilitated a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph, purportedly issued by Anthony “Big Jook” Mims. The trial date for Govan is firmly set for March 10, 2025, should he decide not to take a guilty plea.
Amidst these proceedings, the accused's connections to other key figures in the case have been brought to scrutiny. FOX13 Memphis reports that Govan allegedly introduced Justin "Straight Drop" Johnson to Mims – an action placing him central to orchestrating the crime. Cornelius Smith's testimony adds another layer, alleging he received payment from Govan in both money and drugs, cumulatively amounting to $800, as per FOX13's reporting.
This morning's court session also focuses on Jermarcus Johnson, Justin Johnson’s half-brother, who has already pleaded guilty to accessory charges. In his first trial testimony, Jermarcus asserted he was unwittingly exploited by his brother and denied any involvement in Dolph's murder. Ready to be sentenced today, he once again faces the consequences of a case that continues to unravel, exposing a web of allegations and testimonies that spell out the darkness lurking behind the scenes of the rap industry in Memphis.
