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Who is Justin Johnson? Young Dolph's killer identified

'Black rappers making it past 40 should not be rare' mourn fans after the popular rapper died at 36 in a violent shooting

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Rapper Adolph Robert Thornton, Jr, better known by his stage name of Young Dolph was shot and killed on November 17. According to reports, the rapper was at a cookie store when the incident happened and is believed to have died on the spot. Formal identification has not yet taken place, but Memphis police believe Dolph to be the victim. "Our hearts go out to the Thornton family and all who were affected by this horrific act of violence," they said in a brief statement, dubbing the killing 'senseless'.

Black rappers have become key targets of gun violence, with several high-profile incidents taking place this year alone. In mid-September, 19-year-old rapper SpotemGottem was shot in a drive-by shooting but thankfully survived. But that was a fate not everyone was fortunate enough to have. In July, Zerail Dijon Rivera aka Indian Red Boy was shot dead while recording an Instagram Live in Hawthorne, California. Similarly, in June, Detroit rapper VNZA was killed in a bar in Missouri.

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The killing of Young Dolph is still being investigated, so there's little we know about what happened, but here's the latest we know.

Who is Justin Johnson?

The killer of Young Dolph has been finally identified. Memphis police and the U.S. Marshals on Wednesday announced the name of the suspect in the shooting of Dolph. The murdered has been identified as Justin Johnson. He is wanted by the cops in connection to a number of alleged charges including first-degree murder, criminal attempted first-degree murder and property theft.

The cops on social media stated that Johnson was a fugitive and "should be considered armed & dangerous."  Johnson is 5-foot-8, and weighs 190 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. According to the publication, a reward between $10K and $60K has been announced for anyone who shares information leading to his arrest. On Twitter, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation stated, “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.

'I'm sick of November'

Social media too had plenty to say about the death of the highly successful and influential rapper. "Black rappers making it past 40 should not be such a rare thing, keep that killer energy for the politicians & scum of your city, not the diamonds. RIP Young Dolph," one person tweeted. Another said, "I got too many dead rappers on my playlist first king Von then mo3 now young dolph I’m sick of November." One person commented, "Damn young dolph really dead this dude was one of my favorite artists out rn.. Tired of losing so much talent in hip-hop man. praying for his family man. Heartbreaking."

"so i just wake up to young dolph being dead i hate life," one heartbroken user said. Another commented, "goin to sleep rn knowing young dolph dead is making me sad." One user tweeted, "what a s**tty way to wake up to young dolph being dead."

We'll let you know if there's any more information about the shooter, but for now, it remains a bit of a mystery.