Trial Begins for Man Accused of Planning Young Dolph's Killing - Articles

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Posted by: Azya Thornton on Aug 18, 2025

A trial for one of the men accused of planning Memphis rapper Young Dolph’s killing in November 2021 was to begin today, nearly four years after the alleged shooting. Hernandez Govan is the second defendant to face trial in the case. Last fall, Justin Johnson was convicted on all counts and sentenced to life in prison plus 35 years. A third man, Cornelius Smith, has been arrested. According to the Commercial Appeal, police believe Govan was the mastermind behind the plot. He has been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. Weeks before the trial was scheduled to begin, all filings in Govan’s case were sealed though the proceedings will be open to the public.