Young Dolph
Memphis rapper Young Dolph (Adolph Thornton Jr.) was shot and killed while buying cookies at Makeda's Homemade Cookies. Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith were charged with his murder.
On November 17, 2021, rapper Young Dolph (Adolph Robert Thornton Jr.), 36, was shot and killed while buying cookies at Makeda's Homemade Cookies in Memphis, Tennessee. Two men approached and fired multiple shots through the storefront window.
Young Dolph was a beloved figure in Memphis known for his generosity, including annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaways. His death shocked the city and music world.
Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith were arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The killing was believed to be connected to a long-running rivalry between Young Dolph and rapper Yo Gotti's label.
The case highlighted the epidemic of gun violence affecting the hip-hop community and the city of Memphis.
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