Videos by According2HipHop
Hernandez Govan, the man accused of orchestrating the murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, has been acquitted of all charges.
Govan had faced charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Mitchell read the verdict in front of the jury and members of Govan’s family. Overcome with emotion, Govan embraced his defense team and wiped away tears as the decision was announced.
Jurors deliberated for nearly two hours and 47 minutes on Wednesday morning, following two days of testimony and closing arguments on the third day. Govan did not testify in his own defense.
“We have to respect a jury’s decision even if we disagree with it,” Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said during a press conference after the verdict. Mulroy added that while Dolph’s family is deeply emotional, they do not blame the jury. He also noted that he could not speculate on jurors’ reasoning but maintained that the prosecution was well-prepared.
Speaking after his acquittal, Govan thanked his attorney, Manny Arora, for taking on the case despite his limited resources, as well as the jurors for their decision. He said his confidence in his innocence never wavered and that the thought of reuniting with his family—particularly his disabled son—gave him strength throughout the trial.
Court officials ended the brief media interaction by reminding reporters that interviews could not be conducted inside the courtroom before escorting everyone out.
