Cornelius Smith, charged in Young Dolph’s murder, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 20 years in prison without parole, after other charges were dropped. The deal has drawn intense reactions online as the case continues to unfold.
When Cornelius Smith took his plea and accepted a deal in the Young Dolph murder case, the courtroom outcome was swift. Prosecutors had accused him of involvement in a killing that shocked the hip-hop world, and now the sentencing has given the public a new chapter to react to.
Smith—one of the men charged in Dolph’s death—was originally facing multiple charges. including first-degree murder. conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. and attempted first-degree murder.. On Friday, Smith pled guilty to second-degree murder.. As part of the agreement, the remaining charges were dropped.. Judge’s sentence came down at 20 years in prison without parole.
But the final number isn’t the only detail grabbing attention. Smith’s attorney, Michael Scholl, said Smith will receive credit for time already served, putting him at about 15 years remaining. Scholl also said Smith has shown remorse throughout the process.
“He’s been extremely remorseful for what’s going on, and just trying to do whatever he could do just to make things just a little bit right.”
Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman added that Young Dolph’s family had been aware of the plea agreement, and he pointed to Smith’s cooperation as a factor prosecutors relied on while building their case.
The Internet Don’t Play About Young Dolph
Roommates rushed to comment as soon as the sentencing news hit. In The Shade Room’s comment section, reactions split between those who felt 20 years still didn’t match the impact of the crime—and those pointing to cooperation and the time already served.
Some commenters questioned the length. One Instagram user, @kan.disaa, wrote, “Is that 20 to life? Cause just 20 not enough time😒”
Others pushed back, saying Smith cooperated and that the family understood the deal. @yourmommasnameiskaren said, “Yall can’t read? He’s cooperated from the time he got arrested and the family is aware of this”
There were also tributes to Young Dolph, alongside heartbreak that this case is still costing lives and years behind bars. @pretty_evelynnn claimed, “Dolph didn’t deserve that 🥹🐬🐬🐬”
@madmariodelo wrote, “LL🐬”
And @greenbayp_202 posted, “and he might not have to do the whole 20 🤦🏾♂️”
While @iknowwhereiwanttoeat added a heavier reflection, “It’s been a long time come. So sad to see black men taking the lives of other black men .. it has to stop”
Where the broader case stands
This plea-and-sentencing update lands after other major courtroom results in the same Young Dolph matter. Justin Johnson was sentenced to life in prison for Dolph’s murder, while Hernandez Govan was later found not guilty on all charges.
In Govan’s trial, prosecutors accused him of orchestrating the killing.. A jury acquitted the 45-year-old of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder after arguments that Govan helped orchestrate the deadly ambush carried out by Cornelius Smith Jr.. and Justin Johnson outside Makeda’s Cookies in Memphis.
Prosecutors said Govan provided information about Dolph’s whereabouts and was expected to receive money connected to the hit. Cornelius Smith testified that Govan played a role in setting everything up.
But Govan’s attorney, Manny Arora, challenged the police investigation and argued cellphone evidence failed to directly tie his client to the murder. The jury sided with the defense, and Judge Jennifer Mitchell ordered Govan’s release following the verdict.
Cornelius Smith Young Dolph plea deal second-degree murder Shelby County Makeda's Cookies Hernandez Govan Justin Johnson court sentencing hip-hop news