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The sentencing of one of Young Dolph’s convicted killers has been delayed due to ongoing concerns about prison safety.
On Monday (March 30), prosecutors and attorneys for Cornelius Smith Jr. appeared in a Shelby County, Tennessee courtroom, where they reached a plea agreement. However, Smith’s sentencing has now been pushed back to May 15 as officials work through critical details surrounding where and how he will serve his time.
A major issue under discussion is Smith’s safety behind bars. His legal team is advocating for conditions that would protect him, including the possibility of being placed in solitary confinement. Attorney Michael Scholl emphasized the importance of ensuring Smith can serve his sentence without facing harm.
“We want to make sure that the sentence that he gets, he’s going to be able to serve it safely,” Scholl said.
Smith previously admitted to being one of the gunmen responsible for the 2021 fatal shooting of Young Dolph at a Memphis bakery. In 2024, he testified against co-defendant Justin Johnson, who was later convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 35 years.
Meanwhile, Hernandez Govan, who was accused of orchestrating the plot, was acquitted during his 2025 trial.
With Smith’s sentencing now delayed, the case continues to develop as authorities weigh how to balance justice with concerns over inmate safety.
Young Dolph's killer's sentencing has been delayed over prison safety concerns.
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) April 1, 2026
On Monday (March 30), both the prosecution and Cornelius Smith Jr.'s attorneys met in Shelby County, Tenn., court, where they agreed to a plea deal but pushed Smith's sentencing date back to May 15.… pic.twitter.com/ciRNWDMyMC
