AceShowbiz - The man responsible for the fatal shooting of Young Dolph has officially pleaded guilty, bringing closure to the high-profile murder case that has spanned several years.

Cornelius Smith Jr., who admitted to shooting the Memphis rapper during a 2021 ambush, pleaded guilty on Friday to second-degree murder. This plea deal finalizes the legal proceedings related to the tragic death of Young Dolph.

Smith’s guilty plea comes nearly two years after he confessed on the witness stand that he and co-defendant Justin Johnson carried out the daytime attack at a Memphis bakery. During Johnson’s trial, Smith served as the key witness, and Johnson was ultimately convicted and sentenced to life in prison for his role in the murder.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Smith was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Originally, he faced more severe charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and use of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. However, these charges were dropped as part of the deal.

In addition to testifying at Johnson’s trial, Smith also provided testimony in the case against Hernandez Govan, who was accused of orchestrating the shooting. Govan was acquitted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder following his trial in August 2025.

Another individual linked to the shooting, Jemarcus Johnson, brother of Justin Johnson, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact. He received a sentence of six years diversion and community service.

With Smith’s recent plea, the legal cases against all four defendants charged in connection to Young Dolph’s murder have come to a conclusion.

“Young Dolph was a beloved member of this community, his death a tragedy, his murder an outrage,” said District Attorney General Steve Mulroy in a statement released on Friday. “We’re glad to finally have this last part of the case resolved. The sentence properly reflects the gravity of the offense while giving due consideration to the cooperation this defendant provided. We hope this resolution can give Dolph’s family some sense of closure.”

Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman also commented, noting that Smith cooperated extensively with prosecutors. “Smith cooperated in the prosecution and testified that he and Justin Johnson killed Dolph as part of a planned gang-related hit,” Hagerman said.

This development marks the end of a long and complex investigation surrounding the tragic murder of Young Dolph, a figure deeply mourned in the Memphis community and beyond.