Hernandez Govan got off on three charges related to the ambush death of Young Dolph. A jury ruled on Thursday to acquit the 45-year-old of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, per the Associated Press. Govan reportedly thanked Judge Jennifer Mitchell after she called for his release. Prosecutors attempted to prove Hernandez was the mastermind behind the cookie shop drive-by executed by Cornelius Smith Jr. and Justin Johnson.
RELATED: Hernandez Govan: What’s Going On In The Second Trial Over Young Dolph’s Ambush Death? (COURT PHOTOS)
Details About The “Not Guilty” Verdict
Their efforts fell short, though. Rather than siding with the prosecutors’ argument that Hernandez Govan provided everything needed to execute the death, they acquitted him. His lawyer called into question how the police handled the investigation, and cast doubt on the cellphone evidence prosecutors entered, arguing that it didn’t incriminate Govan.
“Thankfully the jurors listened, they saw the holes in the case,” Govan’s lawyer Manny Arora said.
Even with testimony from Cornelius Smith, the prosecutors fell flat in their argument. Smith said Big Jook put out a $100,000 hit on Dolph over street and booth beef with his brother, Yo Gotti. Jook died in January 2024 after being shot outside of a restaurant. In the courtroom on Monday, Cornelius said Hernandez put him on doing hits, and was planning to take a $10,000 cut. He also allegedly told Smith and Johnson the details of Young Dolph’s Memphis movements in November 2021.
None of it stuck, at least not enough to result in a conviction on any charges. After Judge Mitchell said he could go free, Hernandez Govan hugged his lawyer, Arora.
Hernandez Govan’s Trial & Jury Deliberations Didn’t Last Long
The trial for Hernandez Govan began on Monday (August 18). Govan did not testify in his defense; Cornelius testified against him. By Wednesday, each side had given its closing arguments, and the jury started deliberations at 5:15 p.m. The panel adjourned at about 6:50 p.m. They resumed on Thursday, delivering the verdict within about three hours.
As mentioned, Smith flipped on Govan and Justin Johnson, naming them to the authorities. He also testified in Johnson’s trial, who was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder in 2024. He got life in prison, and an additional 25 years later for conspiracy to commit murder and possessing a gun as a felon convictions.
While Hernandez is heading home today, it’s unclear when Cornelius Smith’s trial will begin or what deal prosecutors might be cutting him after he testified in two trials on their behalf.
Hernandez Speaks Out After Being Freed
After leaving the courtroom, Govan took a moment to speak to the media, telling FOX13 Memphis about the feeling of being freed after his life hanging in the balance for four years.
“It’s kind of hard to explain the feeling of getting your life back just from 12 people. I’m just blessed, and I’m just ready to see my son,” he said.
Additionally, Hernandez Govan claimed that he’s been nervous since getting wrapped up in charges related to Young Dolph’s death. Now, he’s ready to move on, saying it “feels great” and like he was “born again,” after being freed.
“I get a chance to restart my life and do some positive things,” Govan said. The reporter also asked about his lawyer’s claims that his case was related to being poor and Black in Memphis. As far as advice, Hernandez said he’d tell another to leave Memphis and confirmed he plans to do so, saying, “Of course.”
RELATED: YNW Melly’s Double-Murder Retrial Delayed Until 2027 (UPDATE)
