MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG— Hernandez Govan, considered the principal figure in the killing of rapper Young Dolph, started his court trial on Monday morning.
Hernandez Govan, 45, faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and attempted murder in a three-count indictment. Herejected a plea deal last month.
During the initial arguments, the state’s attorney states that this case revolves around “choices.” She mentions that Cornelius Smith, a co-defendant in the case, will provide testimony and says, “This is when everything will come together.”
The prosecutor stated that Govan selected two individuals in dire situations to murder Young Dolph: Justin Johnson, an up-and-coming rapper, and Cornelius Smith, who required funds for drugs. She mentioned there was a $100,000 reward for Young Dolph’s death and that Govan would receive a $10,000 share.
Govan’s legal representative, Manny Arora, informed the jury that Cornelius Smith, who has been working with prosecutors, is not a reliable witness and is attempting to shield himself by portraying Govan as the one responsible for the case.
Arora then instructed him to rise during the opening statements, stating, “Mr. Govan is significant. You can’t treat people this way for political motives and because you need to resolve a crime.” He also pointed out that the evidence has been “selectively chosen.”
“Even though he’s an unknown and doesn’t have the money that Gotti or Jook, his brother, had, who were never even investigated or charged, he’s taking the blame for everything. He didn’t do anything,” he said.
Young Dolph’s sister, Erica Thornton, was the initial witness presented by the state prosecutors. The second individual brought to testify was Raul Hopkins, Young Dolph’s security guard who had served for seven years.
Hopkins provided testimony in court regarding four instances where Young Dolph and his vehicle were targeted by gunfire over the years. The most recent event occurred on November 17, 2021, when Young Dolph was killed at Makeda’s Cookies in South Memphis.
“Thornton’s body showed approximately 20 bullet entry wounds on his neck, chest, arms, and a severe facial injury,” stated Assistant District Attorney Irris Williams.
Following a break, state prosecutors brought their third witness, Cornelius Smith, to the courtroom.
Smith appeared in court and stated that he obtained medication from Govan because he “takes pills” as a result of stress. He mentioned that he had been using the medication on and off. He informed the court that he had stopped taking the pills, but resumed after his son passed away.
He mentions that occasionally he would ask Govan if he could obtain pills on credit, and that is how Govan realized he was in need of money. He also states that he couldn’t maintain a job while struggling with a pill addiction, but he had to look after his five children.
Smith claims that one day Govan asked him if he wanted to earn some money, mentioning there was a hit targeting “a couple of people’s heads in Paper Route.” Smith states that there was a $50,000 bounty on Paper Route Woo and a $100,000 reward for Young Dolph.
When the prosecutor questioned Smith about the meaning of this, he responded, “If you murder Young Dolph, you receive $100,000.”
Smith says he met Justin Johnson, a hitman who was convicted in the shooting of Young Dolph, through Govan. He mentions that his first meeting with Justin took place at Govan’s house, on the day he had the shootout with Paper Route Woo.
Smith stated that he participated in a confrontation with Paper Route Woo following Govan’s call to him and Justin, instructing them to meet at his residence and providing the location of Paper Route Woo.
The following day, Smith states that he visited Govan’s house and“Big Jook,”A senior figure at record label CMG and the older brother of rapper Yo Gotti, was present.
That is when Smith claims Govan was informing Big Jook that Smith is “one of the ones who would carry out the hit.” Smith states that apart from this, he had no contact with Jook and did not have his number. He says he only communicated with Govan.Big Jook was killed near a Memphis nightclub from last year.
On November 16, Smith claims they tried to carry out the attack on Young Dolph after learning he was in Memphis at a gas station, but when they got there, Young Dolph was nowhere to be found.
Smith states that they were aware the individuals from Paper Route were in town because Govan informed them that each artist had a turkey drive for the holiday.
On November 17, Smith claims that Justin called him and arrived to pick him up in a white Mercedes, rather than his typical SUV. He states he didn’t inquire about the change in transportation.
“I didn’t ask any questions because I knew we were on a mission,” Smith stated in court.
He claims they visited Govan’s residence, where Justin retrieved an item from an SUV and then returned to the Mercedes with him. Smith mentions they had their own masks and gloves, and that the firearms were already in the Mercedes when Justin picked him up.
While they were driving, Smith mentions they saw Young Dolph, so they started following him, and that’s when Young Dolph headed to the cookie shop [Makeda’s Cookies].
Smith states that they drove around and then entered the cookie shop’s parking lot before exiting and moving on to shoot Young Dolph.
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Shortly after Young Dolph was fatally shot, Memphis Police released an image of two suspects linked to the incident.
Later, investigators would determine the suspects to be Cornelius Smith and another rapper, Justin Johnson.
Almost a year later, Govan was also charged.
“He portrayed the individual who approached them,” said District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
Shortly after being charged, Govan was released from prison with a $90,000 bail.
Over the last two and a half years, Govan has continued to be free, even though he was arrested in DeSoto County last year.
A 45-year-old individual has a long record of arrests that began in the late 1990s.
Due to his history, prosecutors are pushing for a more severe punishment for Govan.
If found guilty, he would be the second individual to go to trial. Last year, Justin Johnson was convicted for his involvement in the crime and received a life sentence.
During Johnson’s trial, the attorney claimed that Big Jook, a top figure at a competing record label and the older brother of rapper Yo Gotti, ordered the attack, allegedly set up by Govan.
Johnson and co-defendant Cornelius Smith may be required to give testimony. A jury has already been selected.
Williams stated that by the end of the week, a jury would reach a verdict.
“At the conclusion of this week, the state will be requesting you, the jury, to make a decision,” stated Williams.
The court will meet on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
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