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Cornelius Smith Pleads Guilty in Young Dolph Killing, Gets 20 Years

The plea closes the remaining courtroom fights in the case.

Overview

  • Smith, who pleaded guilty Friday, received a 20-year sentence for second-degree murder as prosecutors dropped other charges.
  • Prosecutors said the deal reflects cooperation that helped convict co-defendant Justin Johnson, who was sentenced to life in prison in September 2024.
  • Prosecutors have argued the shooting was a revenge plot tied to Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, with testimony describing a $100,000 bounty on Young Dolph.
  • Hernandez Govan, who was accused of organizing the hit, was acquitted in August, and Big Jook was shot and killed in January 2024 with no arrests announced.
  • Young Dolph, 36, was ambushed at Makeda’s Homemade Cookies by two men who stepped out of a white Mercedes and was shot about 20 times, according to officials.