The sentencing hearing for the self-confessed gunman who killed Jan Dorf has been delayed as his lawyer expressed concerns about his client’s safety in prison.
On Monday (March 30), 32-year-old Cornelius Smith appeared in court for a sentencing hearing where he admitted to the murder of Jan Dorf. Fox13Memphis.com reports that prosecutors and Smith’s attorneys both informed the judge that a plea deal has been reached, but security issues surrounding Smith’s jail stay, including whether he will be held in solitary confinement, are still being finalized.
The judge re-postponed Cornelius Smith’s sentencing hearing to May 15.
Outside court, Shelby County District Attorney Paul Hagman confirmed to the media that Smith has agreed to a plea deal that will see him plead guilty to murdering the late Memphis rapper once the case is finalized. Hagerman added that Youngdorf’s family will attend Smith’s final sentencing hearing in May.
Smith is the third and final suspect in the Dorff murder investigation. Another suspect, Justin Johnson, 27, was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life plus 35 years in prison.
Smith admitted to the November 2021 murder of Young Dorf, born Adolph Thornton Jr., and testified that he and Johnson were performing a song produced by Big Jook, the late brother of rapper Yo Gotti. The alleged mastermind of the murder plot, Hernandez Govan, was acquitted last summer.
