Suspect in Young Dolph Killing Captured In Indiana
On Tuesday afternoon, suspect Justin Johnson was captured in Indiana after being wanted for the murder of Young Dolph, who was killed in November.
Two suspects in the killing of Young Dolph have been found. According to ABC24 Memphis, 23-year-old Justin Johnson was captured in Indiana on Tuesday afternoon after being wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service, Memphis Police Department, Crime Stoppers, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The four organizations offered up to $15,000 for information leading to the capture of Johnson.
Johnson, a local Memphis rapper under the moniker Straight Drop, was said to have posted an Instagram Story prior to his arrest. Last week, ABC News reported that Johnson's story was in reference to the Young Dolph killing, which he denied partaking in.
"Turning Myself In Monday @201 I'm Innocent," Johnson said on his @straightdroppp account. "I'll Be Back Sooner Than You Can Blink."
In 2017, Johnson was arrested after three people were shot at Billy Hardwick Bowling Alley. Johnson was 18-years-old at the time and given a second chance because he previously didn't have a criminal record. Sentenced to five years in prison, Johnson was later released on probation facing a federal weapons charge soon thereafter. On March 11, 2019, Johnson was committed to the custody of Bureau of Prisons, later released on May 25, 2021 for a Good Conduct Time release.
Shortly after the capture of Johnson on Tuesday, ABC24 also reported that fellow Memphis suspect Cornelius Smith was indicted in Young Dolph's murder. Currently held without bond, Smith was indicted for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, employment of a firearm in the commission of a dangerous felony, and theft of property over $10,000. Smith was arrested on December 9 in Mississippi for an auto-theft warrant that involved the white Mercedes Benz vehicle from Dolph's shooting.
A news conference with U.S. Marshals, Memphis Police, and the Shelby County District Attorney is expected to be held today.