The last suspect in the murder of Young Dolph has reached a plea agreement

Cornelius Smith is anticipated to enter a guilty plea in March as the legal saga of the Memphis rap icon nears its conclusion.

The lengthy legal journey concerning the murder of Memphis icon Young Dolph is approaching its conclusion.

On Thursday, February 12, Cornelius Smith, the last significant suspect in the rapper’s 2021 shooting, advanced a step closer to a formal resolution. Despite expectations for him to enter a guilty plea at his latest court appearance, the hearing has been postponed to March 30. The delay is not a result of a change of heart; instead, it stems from the necessity to finalize particular details regarding which Tennessee Department of Corrections facility will accommodate him.

The District Attorney’s office has officially confirmed that a deal is in progress. Reports indicate that Smith’s attorney, Michael Scholl, along with Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman, expressed to the outlet that “they’re ready for this chapter to be closed,” as stated by FOX13 Memphis’ investigative reporter Kayla Solomon.

For a city and a family that have endured a cycle of court dates and vivid testimony, this final plea may provide a long-awaited sense of resolution.

Smith’s journey through the court system has been a focal point of this investigation. Following his confession to the murder, he took the stand to provide testimony against his co-conspirators. He notably informed the court that the hit was commissioned by the late Big Jook, sibling of rap adversary Yo Gotti, who purportedly placed a bounty on the “Preach” rapper.

Although Smith’s cooperation contributed to Justin Johnson receiving a life sentence, the case has not been free from controversy. Hernandez Govan, initially identified by prosecutors as the mastermind, was ultimately acquitted, resulting in intense public disagreements between Govan and media personalities regarding his involvement.

The final guilty plea is now scheduled for March 30, and the remaining loose ends are being addressed. In the case, accessories such as Jemarcus Johnson and Shundale Barnett have already faced their own charges, indicating that Smith’s plea is probably the last significant development in the matter.

Dolph’s presence continues to resonate throughout Memphis, but this legal conclusion signifies the closure of a troubling chapter that has cast a shadow over the city for over four years.