Young Dolph might have known his alleged killer.
On Wednesday night (Jan. 5), after a warrant was issued for the arrest of 23-year-old Justin Johnson, photos surfaced suggesting he may have been affiliated with the late rapper. In some pictures, the suspect whose rap moniker is Straight Dropp, is standing behind Dolph in the club. In others, he’s captured donning a pendant with the letters PRE — the acronym for the “Get Paid” rapper’s Paper Route Empire record label. The latter photos were reportedly taken on the set of his video “Stepping On,” which was released days after Dolph passed away. He is not listed as an artist on the label’s roster.
As previously reported by REVOLT, Johnson was identified as a suspect in the case of Dolph’s fatal shooting. Authorities believe he may be one of two masked gunmen who were caught making their escape moments after the rapper was shot and killed in front of Makeda’s Cookies. The getaway vehicle — a white Mercedes — was later discovered at an abandoned home, where Straight Dropp allegedly filmed the video for his song “Going Straight In.”
The 23-year-old is now wanted for first-degree murder, criminal attempt first-degree murder and theft of property valuing $10,000-$60,000. He already has an outstanding warrant for violating federal supervised release after a weapons charge and has been placed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s “Most Wanted” list. Authorities say he should be considered armed and dangerous, adding he also has ties to criminal gangs.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is offering a $2,500 reward on Wednesday with hopes that the public would provide information that would help lead to Johnson’s arrest. The offer has since been matched by a hefty $15,000 reward from the U.S. Marshals, the Memphis Police Department and Crime Stoppers.