MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals upheld the murder conviction of Justin Johnson in the 2021 killing of Memphis rapper Young Dolph.

Johnson, also known as Straight Drop, raised four issues from the trial in his appeal.

The first was whether there was sufficient evidence for the jury to convict him. The appeals court ruled there was enough evidence, citing video of Young Dolph’s murder as well as extensive cell phone records and surveillance video showing Johnson’s movements before and after the shooting. They also cited the testimony of Johnson’s admitted accomplice Cornelius Smith.

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The second issue in Johnson’s appeal was the trial judge’s decision to allow the jury to see two photos of Young Dolph’s body. One showed the gunshot wound to his face, and the other showed the position of his body after the shooting. The appeals court ruled both photos were allowable and did not prejudice the jury by showing graphic imagery.

Johson appealed the trial judge’s decision requiring him sit behind his attorney’s instead of at the table with them. The decision was made for security reasons because of the nature of the case involving gang members and murder-for-hire. The appeals court agreed with the trial court’s rule.

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Another issue raised in the appeal was a comment made by the prosecutor during closing arguments about the decision to not have a certain witness testify. The court of appeals pointed out that Johnson’s attorneys did not object to the comment during the trial, only after the fact. The court of appeals opinion states, “the evidence of defendant’s guilt was overwhelming, and the prosecutor’s comments were brief.”

The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals ultimately decided none of the issues were substantial enough to warrant a new trial for Justin Johnson. He is currently serving a life sentence for Young Dolph’s murder.