MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Three independent law enforcement sources confirmed to FOX13 that rapper Young Dolph was shot and killed in Memphis Wednesday afternoon.
Maurice Hill, the owner of the shop where the shooting happened, Makeda’s Butter Cookies, told FOX13 his employees said Young Dolph, 36, walked into the store to buy cookies. Someone then drove up and then shot and killed him around 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the bakery in South Memphis.
Shortly before 5 p.m., Memphis police released preliminary information about the shooting. Officers said information is pointing to Young Dolph being the victim, but they said the identification process has not been completed.
Police called the shooting “senseless” and said “our hearts go out to the Thornton family and all who were affected by this horrific act of violence.” The release closed by saying officers are committed to working to curb these types of incidents.
Back on the scene, hundreds of people flocked to the area after news and headlines broke across the world. Tensions at the scene flared and raw emotion spilled over. People laid on the ground, crying. Some onlookers called for an end to gun violence and peace. Others cursed and expressed anger at the loss of the Memphis icon.
Chaos broke out at times. A car with a man inside, apparently shot, drove into the crime scene. That man was taken away on a stretcher by paramedics.
For hours, police worked to push the crowd back from the scene while trying to make sense of the tragic shooting death.
A week before being shot to death at the Memphis bakery, the rap legend was there, spreading love and promoting the businesses.
PHOTOS: Rapper Young Dolph shot and killed in Memphis, law enforcement sources confirm
Young Dolph’s camouflage Lamborghini sat in the parking lot of the bakery when FOX13 crews arrived.
THE LEGACY OF YOUNG DOLPH
The rapper, whose real name is Adolph Robert Thornton, Jr. is well known in the Memphis community.
Young Dolph began getting national attention in 2014 with the release of his mixtape “High Class Street Music 4″ and the single “Preach,”.
In 2016, he released his debut studio album, King of Memphis.
PHOTOS: Remembering Young Dolph
Young Dolph is well known for handing out turkeys around Thanksgiving in Memphis through the Memphis Athletic Ministries charity, speaking to school children and donating money to his former high school Hamilton High School.
Young Dolph was supposed to pass out turkeys at St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis this Friday between 2-5 p.m.
The Memphis Police Department said another person was with Young Dolph at the time of the shooting.
Traffic in the area is shut off. On I-40 in the area, traffic is also at a crawl.
Shortly after the news broke, people took to Twitter to share what Young Dolph meant to them.
Coach Deion Sanders turned to faith on the day of the tragedy.
Rapper Gucci Mane said that his heart is broken by the news, calling Young Dolph a close friend.
You can submit your photos of Young Dolph by clicking here.
Young Dolph leaves behind family, including his cousin fellow Memphis rapper Key Glock.
FOX13 has learned that law enforcement, including gang units, are heavily involved in the preparation of any retaliation shootings.
No information about the shooter has been released by police at this point.
FOX13 will be LIVE on FOX13 News with a special report on this breaking story.
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