Young Dolph’s long-awaited murder trial is underway and has yielded some shocking revelations. On the first day of the trial, prosecutors claimed that as part of the ongoing murder case, Yew Gotti’s late brother Big Jock offered Dolph’s murder suspects Justin Johnson, 25, Jr. Nelius Smith (34) and Hernandez Govan (44) were paid $100,000 to kill Dolph.
While the trial is still in its early stages, for those unfamiliar, it’s worth exploring who Big Jock actually is.
Who is Big Jock?
Anthony “Big Jook” Mims is the older brother of Yo Gotti and plays an important role in Gotti’s CMG label, which has famous artists including Moneybagg Yo, EST Gee, GloRilla and more. While Jock’s official title at the brand is unknown, he often serves as a project manager and talent scout. Big Jock is usually seen at various industry events and is always seen with Gotti. His Instagram is almost entirely dedicated to promoting CMG artists and events as well as his brother’s new music.
Read more: Forbes reports Yo Gotti is worth $100 million
How did Big Jock die?
On January 13, 2024, Big Jock was shot and killed outside a Memphis restaurant. He heard gunshots at the event center and found two men with multiple gunshot wounds. Big Jock was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, and the second male victim recovered. Jock and another man had been in the area to visit a family friend named Eric Bovan. Bowen was known as a Memphis cocaine kingpin in the 1980s and a former partner of Yo Gotti and Aunt Big Jook.
Jock and another man were specifically targeted in the shooting. Investigators reviewed surveillance video, but as of June, the suspect had not yet been identified.
Why does Big Jock want to kill Baby Dolphin?
It’s unclear why Big Jock wanted to kill Dolph, but Yogotti’s dislike of Dolph is well-documented. As prosecutors explained during Monday’s trial, their feud stemmed from Dolph’s refusal to sign with CMG early in his career. As Dolph’s independent label began to flourish, Gotti felt threatened. They began exchanging numerous diss tracks, and “highly publicized violence” ensued, including Dolph’s previous shooting, prosecutors explained.
Most notably, prosecutors brought up Dorff’s “100 Shots” diss track, which he discarded after his car was riddled with bullet holes in North Carolina in 2017. Hagman then brought up Big Jock and said the feud had become so volatile that Jock felt like killing Dolph for $100,000.
“Big Jock, that’s the guy I told you about before, the No. 2 guy at CMG,” attorney Hagerman said during his opening statement in court. “He’s taken action, and he’s offering a hundred thousand dollars to whoever kills Dolph. He’s met Justin. He’s met Cornelius, and they think they’re ready to do it. They’re definitely willing to do it. A famous Memphis rapper.
While this remains to be confirmed, Jan Dorf’s murder trial has proven to be extremely unpredictable.
Justin Johnson, Cornelius Smith Jr. and Hernandez Govan have been charged with first-degree murder and other felonies in connection with Dolph’s killing. Smith and Govan will stand trial at a later date.
READ MORE: Judge reprimands young Dorff murder mastermind for conducting interviews and failing to comply with house order
Take a look back at day one of the trial below.
