One of the men charged in the killing of Young Dolph has officially been sentenced after taking a plea deal tied to the rapper’s 2021 death. Cornelius Smith pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder during a court hearing in Memphis, marking a significant moment in a case that shook the hip hop biography community and sparked important conversations about violence in the music industry.
The 32-year-old was sentenced to 20 years in prison after reaching an agreement with prosecutors. His cooperation throughout the investigation has been a key factor in moving the case forward, and now Smith’s testimony is helping prosecutors pursue convictions against others involved in Young Dolph‘s death.
Young Dolph was killed in November 2021 after being shot at a bakery in Memphis. The Memphis rapper, born Adolph Thornton Jr., was a respected figure in the music community who had built a notable career independent of major label backing.
Smith had initially been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and conspiracy charges connected to the fatal shooting. Under the plea agreement, those additional charges will be dropped. Prosecutors acknowledged Smith’s cooperation in the investigation and trial proceedings tied to the case during the hearing.
Cornelius Smith (one of the men that killed young dolph) took accepted a plea deal of 20 years in prison
Prosecutor says cooperation from the beginning has been great and him testifying truthfully in court against his co defendant helped
Charge was 2nd degree murder pic.twitter.com/CCp1xgMYBg
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) May 15, 2026
“From his arrest until now, Cornelius has accepted responsibility, and he’s agreed to cooperate,” Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman said in a statement. Hagerman added that Young Dolph’s family understood prosecutors had to weigh Smith’s testimony when pursuing convictions against others involved in this case of mass incarceration and the justice system’s complexities.
Smith testified that he and Justin Johnson carried out the shooting. Johnson was convicted of first-degree murder last year and sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 35 years. Smith’s attorney, Michael Scholl, told reporters his client is expected to receive credit for time served, reducing the amount of prison time he has left.
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