The sentencing hearing for Cornelius Smith, the man who confessed to killing rapper Young Dolph, has been postponed due to concerns about his safety in prison.

Smith’s attorney raised these issues during a court appearance on Monday (March 30), delaying the proceedings.

According to Fox 13 Memphis, prosecutors and Smith’s defense team informed the judge that a plea agreement has been reached. However, discussions are ongoing regarding Smith’s prison placement, particularly whether he will be held in solitary confinement.

The judge subsequently rescheduled the hearing for May 15.

Outside the courtroom, Shelby County District Attorney Paul Hagerman confirmed Smith’s intention to plead guilty as part of the plea deal. Hagerman also stated that Young Dolph’s family plans to attend the rescheduled hearing.

Cornelius Smith is the final suspect in the investigation into Young Dolph’s murder. Co-defendant Justin Johnson was previously convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment plus 35 years.

Smith had confessed to the shooting, which occurred in November 2021, and revealed during testimony that he and Johnson were carrying out a hit allegedly ordered by Big Jook, the late brother of rapper Yo Gotti.

The case also involved Hernandez Govan, purportedly the mastermind behind the murder plot. However, Govan was acquitted of all charges last summer.