Memphis, TN – A fifth suspect linked to the murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph has been arrested, three years after his initial detainment. The suspect, identified as Shundell Barnett, was taken into custody overnight and now faces multiple charges, including accessory after the fact, first-degree murder, attempted murder, and theft. His arrest follows years of questions surrounding an outstanding warrant that was never executed despite his previous detainment in 2022.
Background on Barnett’s Connection to the Case
Shundell Barnett was first arrested in 2022 in Indiana, alongside Justin “Straight Drop” Johnson, one of the primary suspects in Young Dolph’s murder. Johnson was fleeing Memphis at the time, and Barnett was accused of assisting in his escape. However, despite his initial arrest, law enforcement agencies—including the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the Memphis Police Department, and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office—did not pursue further legal action against Barnett at that time.
The lack of movement on his case raised several questions, particularly as Johnson was extradited back to Shelby County, where he was later convicted of Young Dolph’s murder in September 2023. Meanwhile, Barnett remained free, despite an active warrant for his arrest. Law enforcement agencies had previously declined to execute the warrant, but no official explanation was given for the delay.
New Developments and Arrest
Barnett’s arrest comes after new court documents surfaced, shedding light on additional details surrounding his involvement in the case. According to police reports, Barnett rented a gray Dodge Ram pickup truck from a Memphis rental car company on POA Avenue, one month after Young Dolph’s murder. Witnesses later reported seeing Johnson leave the scene in the same vehicle the night police attempted to arrest him in Memphis.
This new evidence directly ties Barnett to the assistance of Johnson’s escape, reinforcing the authorities’ decision to move forward with charges against him. The timing of his arrest, however, remains a surprise, given that his alleged involvement was already known years ago.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Following his arrest, Barnett is set to appear in court tomorrow for the first time since being taken into custody. Given the serious nature of the charges against him, the legal process will likely attract significant attention, especially from those who have been following the Young Dolph case closely.
This development marks another step in the long-running investigation into Young Dolph’s murder, which has resulted in multiple arrests and convictions. Barnett’s arrest raises further questions about why his case was delayed for so long and whether any additional suspects or details will emerge as the trial progresses.
Authorities have yet to release any additional statements regarding Barnett’s arrest or why his warrant remained unexecuted for nearly three years. However, given the intense scrutiny surrounding the case, more details are expected to come to light as the legal proceedings continue.
For now, Barnett remains in custody, and his court appearance will be a crucial moment in determining the next phase of his legal battle.
