Tennessee police have begun a manhunt for suspect 23-year-old Justin Johnson in connection with the murder of Memphis Rapper Young Dolph.
A $15,000 reward has been placed for information leading to Johnson’s arrest.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation tweeted: “We need your help to find Justin Johnson, wanted by @MEM_PoliceDept and TBI for 1st Degree Murder, Criminal Attempt-1st Degree Murder, & Theft of Property $10,000-$60,000.
“He should be considered armed & dangerous. Seen him? Call 901-378-3132 or 1-800-TBI-FIND,” read the tweet posted on January 5, 2022.
“A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered by TBI for information leading to Justin Johnson’s arrest for a total reward of up to $15,000 in coordination with @USMarshalsHQ, @MEM_PoliceDept, and Crimestoppers.”
“We are working alongside our partners at the state and federal levels in the search for Justin Johnson. #TNMostWanted.”
Young Dolph was shot dead in a drive-by shooting at a local bakery, Makeda’s Cookies, in Tennessee.
Confirming the news of Young Memphis mayor Jim Strickland said, “The tragic shooting death of rap artist Young Dolph serves as another reminder of the pain that violent crime brings with it.”
In an official statement released by the rapper’s agency APA agency, the company said it was “shocked and deeply saddened” at the star’s death.
“The world has lost an icon, a great man and beloved artist who has been taken too soon. His dedication, drive, hard work and loyalty to all those around him always came first, and he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this most difficult time,” the statement reads.
Young Dolph had been a target of shootings in the past. The rapper revealed in February 2017 that his vehicle had been shot at many times in Charlotte. In September, he was also injured in a shooting in Los Angeles.
