Roommates, years after Young Dolph’s murder shocked the hip-hop community, another major update in the case is making headlines. Cornelius Smith, one of the men charged in Dolph’s killing, has officially been sentenced after accepting a plea deal. And, the details are sparking reactions online.
RELATED: Hernandez Govan Found Not Guilty On All Charges In Young Dolph’s Death
Cornelius Smith Sentenced After Accepting Plea Deal
According to reports, Smith was originally facing several charges, including first-degree murder. He also faced conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. However, on Friday, Smith pled guilty to second-degree murder as part of an agreement that resulted in the remaining charges being dropped. Smith was sentenced to 20 years in prison without parole. However, his attorney, Michael Scholl, said he’ll receive credit for time already served, leaving him with around 15 years remaining. Scholl also shared that 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 understood Smith’s cooperation played a role in helping prosecutors build the case.
The Internet Don’t Play About Young Dolph
Roommates immediately flooded The Shade Room’s comment section after the sentencing news broke. And whew — everybody had something to say. Some argued that 20 years wasn’t nearly enough time for the role Smith played in Young Dolph’s murder. Others filled the comments with messages of support for the late rapper, writing “Long Live Dolph” and sharing prayer emojis. Meanwhile, several commenters expressed heartbreak over yet another case involving Black men losing their lives or spending years behind bars.
One Instagram user @kan.disaa commented “Is that 20 to life? Cause just 20 not enough time😒”
This Instagram user @yourmommasnameiskaren said, “Yall can’t read? He’s cooperated from the time he got arrested and the family is aware of this“
And, Instagram user @pretty_evelynnn claimed, “Dolph didn’t deserve that 🥹🐬🐬🐬”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @madmariodelo wrote, “LL🐬”
While Instagram user @greenbayp_202 said, “and he might not have to do the whole 20 🤦🏾♂️”
Lastly, Instagram user @iknowwhereiwanttoeat added, “It’s been a long time come. So sad to see black men taking the lives of other black men .. it has to stop“
Jury Clears Hernandez Govan In Young Dolph Case
As previously reported, Justin Johnson was sentenced to life in prison for Dolph’s murder, while Hernandez Govan — who prosecutors accused of orchestrating the killing — was later found not guilty on all charges. A jury acquitted the 45-year-old of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder after prosecutors argued that Govan helped orchestrate the deadly ambush carried out by Cornelius Smith Jr. and Justin Johnson outside Makeda’s Cookies in Memphis.
Prosecutors claimed Govan provided information about Dolph’s whereabouts and was expected to receive money connected to the hit, while Cornelius Smith testified that Govan played a role in setting everything up. However, Govan’s attorney, Manny Arora, challenged the police investigation and argued that cellphone evidence failed to directly tie his client to the murder. In the end, the jury sided with the defense, and Judge Jennifer Mitchell ordered Govan’s release following the verdict.
