Admitted Young Dolph Shooter Expected to Take Plea Deal

Cornelius Smith confessed to the 2021 murder of the Memphis rapper alongside Justin Johnson.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The man who admitted to being one of the shooters who killed Memphis rapper Young Dolph is expected to agree to a plea deal. Cornelius Smith confessed to the November 2021 murder of Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., when Smith testified against the other shooter, Justin Johnson. Smith told the court that he and Johnson were executing a hit put out by Big Jook — the late brother of rapper Yo Gotti.

Why it matters

The murder of Young Dolph, a popular Memphis rapper, sparked outrage and grief in the local community. This plea deal could provide some closure, though questions remain about the full scope of the conspiracy behind the killing.

The details

Smith is the last person in the murder case whose situation has not been resolved. His attorney, Sharon Morales, had previously told FOX13 they had been negotiating with prosecutors on a plea deal. "At this point in our representation, we are trying to come out with the best outcome for Mr. Smith. We have been negotiating with prosecutors at this time," Morales said. "We anticipate having a guilty plea on Feb. 12." In his testimony, Smith admitted that he shot and killed Dolph alongside Johnson during Johnson's murder trial in 2024. Smith also detailed the two carried out a $100,000 hit on the Memphis rapper and explained the hit was put out by Anthony Mims, also known as Big Jook.

  • Dolph was murdered in November 2021.
  • Smith confessed to the murder when he testified against Justin Johnson in 2024.
  • Smith's court hearing is set for February 12, 2026.

The players

Cornelius Smith

The man who admitted to being one of the shooters who killed Memphis rapper Young Dolph.

Justin Johnson

The other shooter who was involved in the murder of Young Dolph, according to Cornelius Smith's testimony.

Anthony Mims, also known as Big Jook

The person who allegedly put out the $100,000 hit on Young Dolph, according to Cornelius Smith's testimony.

Adolph Thornton Jr., also known as Young Dolph

The Memphis rapper who was murdered in November 2021.

Sharon Morales

The attorney representing Cornelius Smith, who is expected to take a plea deal.

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What they’re saying

“At this point in our representation, we are trying to come out with the best outcome for Mr. Smith. We have been negotiating with prosecutors at this time.”

— Sharon Morales, Attorney for Cornelius Smith (FOX13)

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

— Sharon Morales, Attorney for Cornelius Smith (FOX13)

What’s next

Smith's court hearing is set to start at 9 a.m. on February 12, 2026, where he is expected to agree to a plea deal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex web of violence and retaliation that can surround the murder of a high-profile rapper like Young Dolph. The plea deal could provide some closure, but many questions remain about the full scope of the conspiracy behind the killing.