A Memphis jury has acquitted a man accused of masterminding the killing of rapper Young Dolph, nearly three years after the rapper was gunned down outside a local bakery.
Jurors found Hernandez Govan, 45, not guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy after just three hours of deliberation. After the verdict was read out in court, Govan broke into a smile, hugged his attorney, and thanked the judge as he was released.
Govan was accused of planning the shooting with Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, who offered the crew $100,000 to take out his brother’s rival.
“Hernandez Govan, a jury of your peers having found you not guilty of all charges, sir, you are free to go.” pic.twitter.com/xWbc4zPIHL
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 21, 2025
Govan rejected a plea deal on Dec. 13 and was charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, among other charges.
Justin Johnson was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Justin’s brother, Jermarcus Johnson, pleaded guilty to being involved with the assassination and faces between six and 12 years in prison. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office decided not to pursue charges against Shundale Barnett, the cousin of Justin Johnson, for being an accessory after the fact. The office said his warrant should have been redacted before his arrest. He reportedly assisted the men in fleeing the scene.