Final Suspect Cornelius Smith to Plead Guilty in Young Dolph Murder

Cornelius Smith is finalizing a plea deal in the Young Dolph murder case, with a hearing expected on March 30.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The years-long legal saga surrounding the murder of Memphis legend Young Dolph is finally nearing its end. Cornelius Smith, the final key suspect in the rapper's 2021 shooting, has moved a step closer to a formal resolution by finalizing a plea deal. Although he was expected to enter a guilty plea during his most recent court appearance, the hearing was pushed back to March 30 to settle details about which Tennessee Department of Corrections facility will house him.

Why it matters

For a city and a family that have been through a revolving door of court dates and graphic testimony, this final plea could offer a long-awaited sense of closure in the Young Dolph murder case.

The details

Smith's journey through the court system has been a centerpiece of this investigation. After confessing to the murder, he took the stand to testify against his co-conspirators, claiming the hit was ordered by the late Big Jook, brother of rap rival Yo Gotti, who allegedly put a bounty on the 'Preach' rapper. While Smith's cooperation helped land Justin Johnson a life sentence, the case hasn't been without its controversy, as Hernandez Govan, whom prosecutors initially labeled the mastermind, was ultimately acquitted.

  • On Thursday, February 12, Cornelius Smith moved a step closer to a formal resolution.
  • The hearing for Smith's guilty plea was pushed back to March 30.

The players

Cornelius Smith

The final key suspect in the Young Dolph murder case who is finalizing a plea deal.

Michael Scholl

Cornelius Smith's attorney.

Paul Hagerman

Shelby County Deputy District Attorney.

Justin Johnson

One of Cornelius Smith's co-conspirators who received a life sentence.

Hernandez Govan

A suspect in the Young Dolph murder case who was ultimately acquitted.

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What they’re saying

“they're ready for this chapter to be closed”

— Michael Scholl, Cornelius Smith's attorney (FOX13 Memphis)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 30 whether to accept Cornelius Smith's guilty plea.

The takeaway

This final plea in the Young Dolph murder case could provide long-awaited closure for the city of Memphis and the rapper's family, though the legal saga has been marked by controversy and shifting narratives throughout the investigation.