MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — Justin Johnson, the man convicted of murdering Memphis rapper Young Dolph, is now requesting a new trial.
A motion was filed on Friday asking the court to vacate his sentence and grant him a new trial due to the evidence presented being insufficient.
On September 26, Johnson was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and convicted felon in possession of a handgun. The judge sentenced him to life in prison on the murder count but set a November 1 sentencing hearing on the other charges.
The same day Johnson was found guilty, an Instagram post was made on his account saying, “These n***** taking criminal responsibility I’m taking street responsibility regardless I’m foreva the biggest they can throw away the keys before I ever eat da cheese.”
The motion claims the trial court made a mistake in showing gruesome photos of the victim’s body at the crime scene, autopsy photos, and repeatedly denying Johnson’s motions to allow him to sit at the counsel table.
Even though a new trial was requested, the Shelby County Criminal Court says it will not impact Johnson’s upcoming sentencing hearing on Friday.