Memphis, Tennessee is in mourning as rapper Young Dolph is shot dead while shopping at a bakery and dessert shop. The singer was 36 year old, getting cookies from Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies when an unknown suspect drove up to the site and shot him. The bakery seemed to be his favorite place to visit and shop for desserts when in town, as shown in videos and other content shared on the shop’s social media.
The shop’s Instagram account also shared heartbreak over the news with the caption, “We are heartbroken and saddened by the passing of Young Dolph. He was a regular customer and loved Makeda’s Cookies. My parents are in a lot of pain from this. Our hearts and condolences go out to his family. He will never be forgotten and will be so missed.”
The suspect is still at large and unknown at this moment as Memphis Police carry out the investigation. A city-wide curfew has been called but not announced yet, as the Memphis Police chief asks the residents to keep calm while the investigation is carried out. Adolph Robert Thornton, Jr., used his stage name, Young Dolph. He released his debut album by the name of ‘King of Memphis’, in 2016, which made it into the top 50 of the Billboard 200 chart.
“This shooting is another example of the senseless gun violence we are experiencing locally and nationwide. Our hearts go out to the Thornton family and all who are affected by this horrific act of violence,” said Cerelyn “CJ” Davis, Chief of Memphis Police, adding, “Tonight we strongly encourage everyone to stay home if you do not have to be out. We also strongly encourage everyone to remain calm as we actively perform our investigation.”
Areas and people with a connection to Young Dolph are under strict security surveillance while police look for the suspect. CCTV footage and witnesses to the incident are involved in the investigation during the fatal shooting. Many are calling for the curfew, but officials and lawmakers have decided to only place heavy measures in vulnerable areas. Chief Davis continued, “We are committed to working with the community to stop the senseless murders,” adding, “It doesn’t mean that we won’t have a curfew at some point in time. But right now, we think that the deployment of our officers in the specific areas that are impacted the most will be enough presence for tonight.”
