Jury Acquits Hernandez Govan in Young Dolph Ambush Killing

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - On Thursday, a Shelby County jury found 45-year-old Hernandez Govan not guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy. These charges were linked to the November 2021 ambush shooting that killed rapper Young Dolph at a bakery.

Govan was accused of leading the daytime attack. After about three hours of deliberation, he was found not guilty. Prosecutors claimed that Govan directed two gunmen. He was set to receive $10,000 for arranging the murder. Cornelius Smith Jr. offered crucial testimony. He admitted to being one of the shooters. He said Govan supplied the guns and advised on where the victim was. Defense attorneys argued against the reliability of Smith’s statements and the cell-phone records. They claimed there was no direct evidence tying Govan to the crime scene.

After the verdict, Govan hugged his attorney. He thanked Shelby County Judge Jennifer Mitchell before leaving the courtroom a free man. Govan decided not to testify. His legal team pointed out flaws in the police investigation and noted inconsistencies in the state’s witnesses.

Young Dolph, or Adolph Thornton Jr., was a rapper from Memphis. He owned an independent label and was recognized for his philanthropy. He was shot and killed after he got cookies. He was handing out Thanksgiving turkeys to families nearby. Authorities said two men got out of a white Mercedes-Benz. They fired over 20 rounds into the bakery, killing the 36-year-old instantly.

This is a developing story; further details may emerge as investigations continue.