More than four years after the shocking murder of Young Dolph, one of the men accused in the killing has officially learned his fate.

According to reports, Cornelius Smith accepted a plea deal connected to the 2021 shooting death of the Memphis rapper, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr. Smith was initially charged with first-degree murder but reportedly agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree murder after cooperating with investigators and admitting his role in the crime.

Young Dolph was fatally shot in November 2021 while visiting Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies, a bakery he was known to support regularly in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. Surveillance footage and witness accounts allegedly showed two men arriving in a white vehicle before opening fire outside the business. Authorities later revealed the rapper suffered 22 gunshot wounds.

As part of the investigation, Smith, Justin Johnson, and Hernandez Govan were all arrested in connection with the killing.

Reports state that Smith provided information to prosecutors and testified against Johnson, who was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Smith also allegedly told authorities that the murder plot was tied to a hit ordered by Anthony Mims, also known as Big Jook, the late brother of Yo Gotti.

Meanwhile, Hernandez Govan was eventually acquitted after facing allegations that he helped organize aspects of the crime.

Under the plea agreement, Smith received a 20-year prison sentence. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said the resolution reflects both the seriousness of the crime and Smith’s cooperation during the investigation.

The death of Young Dolph devastated the Memphis community and sent shockwaves throughout the hip hop world, where the rapper was widely respected for both his independent success and community involvement.