Young Dolph‘s alleged killer, Hernandez Govan, has been found not guilty of being behind the late rapper’s murder.
Govan was accused by prosecutors of being the mastermind behind the hit back in 2021 but the jury clearly disagreed and returned a not guilty verdict after just three hours.
Speaking after he was released, Govan said: “Thank you to the jury for getting this right and getting my life back. I knew in my heart I was innocent. Without God, I don’t even think I would have made it this far. I’m just happy to be free.”
He added: “It’s kind of hard to explain the feeling of getting your life back just from 12 people. I’m just blessed, and I’m just ready to see my son. It feels great. It just feels like I’ve been born again. I get a chance to restart my life and do some positive things.”
One person – Justin Johnson – has been convicted of the murder of Dolph and subsequently sentenced to life in prison.
Johnson initially sought a new trial — a move that got an emotional reaction from Dolph’s fiancée.
Mia Jaye took to Instagram through her Black Men Deserve To Grow Old streetwear brand to react to Johnson’s motion.
Alongside a screenshot of a news headline, Jaye wrote: “It’s infuriating to see the person who took our loved one’s life now seeking a new trial over ‘insufficient evidence.’ Their arrogance feels like a cruel joke to me and my loved ones.”
She added: “We won’t let this deter us; we will keep fighting for justice and honor the memory of Adolph [heart emoji].”
It was reported that Johnson was seeking a new trial because of a dispute over evidence that was used to convict him.
The motion was later denied.
Another suspect – Shundale Barnett – was also arrested earlier this year but then released a day later due to a clerical error on the part of the police leading to the charges being dropped.
“During the investigation of Justin Johnson, Shundale Barnett was found with [Justin] Johnson at the time of his arrest in Indiana,” a statement from the district attorney explained. “Based on this and other facts, a task force officer with the U.S. Marshals determined there was probable cause to charge Barnett with Accessory After the Fact, and an arrest warrant was issued as part of standard procedure.
“As the investigation progressed, the DA’s Office determined that Barnett was not involved in the case and chose not to pursue charges, indicating the charge would be withdrawn. However, a delay in recalling the warrant left it active in the system. This clerical issue has now been resolved, and the charges against Barnett have been officially dismissed.”
