Delay in trial of rapper Young Dolph's alleged gunmen

Justin Johnson in court. (Photo by: Jerrita Patterson of WREG)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The wheels of justice, some say, have been slow to turn following the death of rapper Young Dolph. It has been more than two years since he was shot and the case has not yet gone to trial.

Monday morning was supposed to be the day one of the suspected gunmen was set to stand trial. However, the matter was delayed.

“I was extremely upset when the attorneys came to me asking for a motion to pursue this case,” Judge Jennifer Mitchell said.

The defense and prosecutors are asking for more time to set up expert witnesses.

Justin Johnson, one of the men accused of pulling the trigger, defense attorney plans to call an expert to the stand.

Prosecutors aim to bring two to justice.

“They are cell phone experts when it comes to location information on cell phones,” said Shelby County Deputy Prosecutor Paul Hagerman.

Shortly after, the second suspected shooter, Cornelius Smith, was also escorted to court.

Smith was also informed that he would be tried at a later date. After sitting for less than a minute, he was about to come out.

The last to appear in court was Jermarcus Johnson, who had already pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact.

“Their report indicates that you are not complying with the weekly calls,” Judge Mitchell said. “I'm not sure what the problem is.”

Johnson and his lawyer promised there would be no more problems.

Hernandez Govan, the alleged mastermind of the murder, stood alongside Johnson, who was also ordered to return with the three other defendants.

“We are joined at the hip with the other defendants. At this point, things will move forward,” said Handel Durham Jr., Hernandez’s attorney.

Before the scheduled trial date of September 23, Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith are scheduled to appear in court for a motion hearing on August 9.