The trial against Hernandez Govan is currently in its second day following Monday’s commencement. Govan faces charges related to the daytime ambush killing of Young Dolph at a bakery in Memphis in November 2021. The 45-year-old is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and attempted murder. Although prosecutors do not claim that Hernandez Govan fired the weapon, they assert that he orchestrated the entire plan for the two shooters who did.

RELATED: Prosecutor Claims Yo Gotti’s Late Brother Big Jook Put A $100,000 Hit On Young Dolph (UPDATE)

Young Dolph, whose legal name is Adolph Thornton Jr., was a rapper, independent label owner, and producer who grew up in Memphis. Beyond his music career, the city admired him for his charitable contributions. At the time of the ambush, the 36-year-old was in his hometown to distribute Thanksgiving turkeys to families and had stopped by his favorite cookie shop. This visit unexpectedly turned into an attack that shocked the entertainment community.

One Of Young Dolph’s Shooters Spilled It All

Memphis prosecutors have characterized the killing as part of an effort by Anthony ‘Big Jook’ Mims to seek revenge on Young Dolph for tracks that dissed Big Jook and the record label he helped manage for his brother, Yo Gotti.

Cornelius Smith Jr., who confessed to being one of the shooters involved in Young Dolph’s death, has been cooperating with authorities to build their case. He has implicated everyone involved, including his co-shooter, Justin Johnson. He testified that Big Jook placed a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph and allegedly had smaller bounties on all artists at Young Dolph’s record label, Paper Route Empire. Earlier this year, Big Jook was shot and killed outside a restaurant.

Smith maintained his stance during Hernandez Govan‘s trial on Monday. He testified: “I didn’t know anything about Paper Route having no hits,” until Govan informed him about them, according to the Associated Press. He stated that Govan hired him to “do the hits” and was going to take $10,000 as his share. Cornelius Smith Jr. also mentioned that Govan was the one who informed him and Justin Johnson that Young Dolph would be in Memphis for the volunteer event, calling it their “opportunity,” as per Smith.

Hernandez Govan’s Lawyer Calls Out Main Witness Testimony

Govan’s defense attorney, Manny Arora, attempted to portray Cornelius Smith as an unreliable witness who would say anything to secure a lighter sentence. Arora referenced previous testimony where Smith recounted a chance encounter with Big Jook, implying that Big Jook was the person who hired him. After Smith’s arrest, his attorney contacted Big Jook’s attorney and received between $38,000 and $50,000 in cash. Smith stated on Monday that he did not know who provided the money.

Smith also testified that he had previously heard rumors about Hernandez Govan possibly working with the FBI. Arora questioned why Smith would accept a job from Govan if that were true. Smith responded that Govan was “innocent until proven guilty.”

What Were The Shooters Charged With?

Smith is facing charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. He has pleaded not guilty and does not yet have a trial date.

Justin Johnson received a life sentence with the possibility of parole in September 2024. He was subsequently sentenced for two additional convictions from the trial: conspiracy to commit murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

As previously mentioned, Smith was once the main witness against Justin Johnson, identifying him as the second shooter. Johnson was convicted of first-degree murder last year.A judge sentenced him to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole in September 2024. He later received sentences for two other convictions from the trial: conspiracy to commit murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

RELATED: Young Dolph’s Sister & Fiancée Mia Jaye Speak Out After One Of The Suspects In His Murder Is Sentenced (VIDEOS)

Associated Press writers Adrian Sainz and Travis Loller contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.