(Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images)
Roommates, years after Young Dolph’smurder shocked the hip-hop community, another major update in the case is making headlines. Cornelius Smith, one of the men charged in Dolphs killing, has officially been sentenced after accepting a plea deal. And, the details are sparking reactions online.
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 hell receive credit for time already served, leaving him with around 15 years remaining. Scholl also shared that Smith has shown remorse throughout the process.
“Hes been extremely remorseful for whats 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 Dolphs family had been aware of the plea agreement and understood Smiths cooperation played a role in helping prosecutors build the case.
Roommates immediately flooded The Shade Rooms comment section after the sentencing news broke. And whew everybody had something to say. Some argued that 20 years wasnt nearly enough time for the role Smith played in Young Dolphs 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 cant read? Hes cooperated from the time he got arrested and the family is aware of this“
And, Instagram user @pretty_evelynnn claimed, “Dolph didnt 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, “Its been a long time come. So sad to see black men taking the lives of other black men .. it has to stop“
As previously reported, Justin Johnson was sentenced to life in prison for Dolphs 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 Makedas Cookies in Memphis.
Prosecutors claimed Govan provided information about Dolphs 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, Govans 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 Govans release following the verdict.
