Admitted Second Shooter in Young Dolph Ambush Weighs Memphis Plea Deal

Cornelius Smith, who confessed to firing shots in the 2021 killing of rapper Young Dolph, is in plea negotiations with prosecutors.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Cornelius Smith, the last unresolved defendant in the 2021 killing of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, appeared in court on February 12, 2026, as his attorneys negotiate a potential guilty plea. Smith has publicly admitted to being one of the shooters in the ambush that killed Dolph, and his case is unfolding against the backdrop of convictions and acquittals for other defendants charged in the crime.

Why it matters

The resolution of Smith's case could provide closure for Young Dolph's family and the broader Memphis community, which was rocked by the high-profile killing of the popular rapper. The plea negotiations also reflect the shifting legal landscape, as prosecutors and Smith's defense team weigh the best path forward given the outcomes for other defendants.

The details

During the trial of co-defendant Justin Johnson in 2024, Smith testified that he and Johnson were the two men seen on surveillance video getting out of a white Mercedes and opening fire outside Makeda's Cookies on November 17, 2021, where Young Dolph was killed. Johnson was convicted and received a lengthy sentence, while Smith still faces unresolved counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy.

  • On February 12, 2026, Cornelius Smith appeared in Shelby County Criminal Court for a hearing as his attorneys negotiate a potential guilty plea.
  • In January 2026, Smith's defense attorney Sharon Morales stated that 'we anticipate having a guilty plea on Feb. 12.'

The players

Cornelius Smith

The last unresolved defendant in the killing of Young Dolph, who has publicly admitted to firing shots in the ambush that killed the Memphis rapper.

Justin Johnson

A co-defendant who was convicted and sentenced in 2024 for his role in the killing of Young Dolph.

Sharon Morales

The defense attorney representing Cornelius Smith in the plea negotiations.

Shelby County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutors negotiating a potential plea deal with Cornelius Smith.

Young Dolph

The popular Memphis rapper who was killed in the November 2021 ambush.

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What they’re saying

“we anticipate having a guilty plea on Feb. 12”

— Sharon Morales, Defense attorney (FOX13 Memphis)

What’s next

If Cornelius Smith does enter a plea, the judge will set the terms on the record and schedule any sentencing hearing that follows.

The takeaway

The resolution of Cornelius Smith's case could provide long-awaited closure for Young Dolph's family and the Memphis community, while also reflecting the shifting legal landscape as prosecutors and the defense weigh the best path forward given the outcomes for other defendants charged in the high-profile killing.