Court upholds conviction for man accused of killing rapper Young Dolph

Appeals court affirms 2025 convictions of Justin Johnson for 2021 murder

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A state appeals court has upheld the 2025 convictions of Justin Johnson, one of two men accused of killing rapper Young Dolph in Memphis in 2021.

Why it matters

The high-profile murder of Young Dolph, a beloved Memphis rapper, sparked outrage in the community and renewed calls for action against gun violence. The conviction of one of the accused killers provides some closure, though the case remains a tragic loss for Dolph's family and fans.

The details

In 2025, Justin Johnson was convicted for his role in the 2021 shooting death of rapper Young Dolph in Memphis. This week, a state appeals court affirmed those convictions, upholding the guilty verdict and sentence. Johnson was one of two men charged in the killing, which occurred at a local cookie shop.

  • Young Dolph was killed in November 2021.
  • Justin Johnson was convicted in 2025.
  • The convictions were upheld on appeal in March 2026.

The players

Justin Johnson

One of two men accused and convicted of killing rapper Young Dolph in Memphis in 2021.

Young Dolph

A popular Memphis-based rapper who was shot and killed in 2021.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This conviction provides some measure of justice for the tragic loss of Young Dolph, though his family and community continue to grieve.”

— Shelby County District Attorney (Daily Memphian)

What’s next

The second suspect in Young Dolph's murder is still awaiting trial.

The takeaway

The upholding of the conviction in this high-profile murder case highlights the ongoing challenges Memphis faces with gun violence, even as the community seeks accountability and closure.