NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 30: Young Dolph performs during Rolling Loud New York 2021 at Citi Field on October 30, 2021 in New York City.NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 30: Young Dolph performs during Rolling Loud New York 2021 at Citi Field on October 30, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images)

Justin Johnson, one of three men charged in the 2021 murder of Young Dolph, will remain behind bars for life after the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals upheld his 2024 conviction. The ruling, issued alongside Judge Matthew J. Wilson, confirmed Johnson’s guilt on charges of premeditated first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, according to Fox 13 Memphis.

Johnson’s appeal argued four main points, but the court dismissed each. He first challenged the sufficiency of the evidence against him. The appeals panel reaffirmed the jury’s verdict, pointing to surveillance footage of the shooting, extensive cell phone records, and video tracking Johnson’s movements around the time of the incident. Testimony from Cornelius Smith, who admitted to assisting Johnson, also played a key role in the jury’s decision.

Another issue involved two photographs of Young Dolph’s body presented to the jury. The court deemed the images admissible, finding they did not unduly sway the outcome. Johnson also contested his seating behind defense attorneys during trial, arranged for security reasons. The judges ruled this precaution appropriate given the case’s high-profile and sensitive nature.

Court Upholds Verdict as Case Advances with Cooperating Witness

Finally, Johnson challenged a prosecutor’s comment in closing arguments referencing a witness who did not testify. The appellate court dismissed this, noting that his attorneys had not objected during the trial. As the court emphasized, “the evidence of defendant’s guilt was overwhelming, and the prosecutor’s comments were brief.”

The decision comes as Cornelius Smith continues cooperating with prosecutors under a plea agreement. His initial guilty plea, expected last month, was rescheduled for March 30 to accommodate logistical arrangements within the Tennessee Department of Corrections, leaving ongoing developments in the case as authorities prepare for the next steps.