The trial date for Hernandez Govan, identified as the alleged orchestrator behind the murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, has been rescheduled. Initially set for March 10, 2025, scheduling conflicts have necessitated a change, now marking July 28, 2025, as the new start for proceedings, as WREG reported.
In a recent development, Govan rejected a plea deal offered by the state that would have required him to plead guilty in the murder of Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thorton Jr. Thorton, aged 36, was fatally shot on November 17, 2021, at Makeda’s Cookies located on Airways Boulevard near Ketchum in Memphis. After considering the plea deal until the very last day possible, Govan decided to proceed to trial, facing charges that include first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, as FOX13 Memphis detailed.
Earlier this year, Justin Johnson, an associate of Govan's, was convicted for his role in the murder, receiving life imprisonment plus an additional 35 years. Prosecutors argue that Govan was instrumental in recruiting Johnson and Cornelius Smith for the hit. They claim that Govan acted as the intermediary, introducing both to Anthony "Big Jook" Mims, who is alleged to have put out the $100,000 bounty on Young Dolph or any member of Paper Route Empire, his record label, as described in Johnson's trial testimony, according to WREG.
While out on bail since May 2023, Govan has attracted the court's admonition for violations, having been arrested in June 2024 on charges unrelated to the murder case, including driving on a suspended license and stalking. Furthermore, Judge Lee Coffee, before recusing himself due to a conflict with Johnson, highlighted in court that Govan had taken trips, which goes against the stipulations of his house arrest. Judge Jennifer Mitchell has since taken over the case and expressed criticism toward Govan for participating in a live-streamed YouTube interview, as FOX13 Memphis elucidates.
Despite not testifying in Johnson’s trial, Govan is reported to have entered into a Proffer agreement with investigators earlier, where he provided information regarding Young Dolph's murder without self-incrimination. This agreement may yet play a role in the upcoming trial where Govan will stand as the second defendant after Johnson to face a jury for these grave allegations, as the Commercial Appeal notes.
