A second individual has been formally indicted in connection with the 2025 murder of Patrick Houston Jr., the son of legendary rapper Project Pat. Houston Jr., who was 21 years old at the time of his passing, was tragically shot and killed in Memphis.
According to reports from ABC 24 Memphis, 18-year-old Jermiesia Franklin has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, and tampering with or fabricating evidence. The latter charge stems from allegations that she took the victim’s cell phone following the shooting. Franklin, who was 16 at the time of the incident, is currently being held on a $5 million bond at the Shelby County Jail. In addition to these charges, she faces separate legal issues related to an unrelated incident from September 2024, including attempted second-degree murder and firearm-related offenses.
Franklin is the second suspect apprehended in the case. Previously, 19-year-old Talia Jones was taken into custody in Minnesota in July 2025 for her alleged involvement. Jones faces charges of aggravated robbery and tampering with evidence. Law enforcement officials have indicated that Franklin is believed to be the primary shooter, while Jones allegedly assisted in the commission of the crime.
Both suspects are scheduled for a court report date on September 16, with a joint trial currently slated to begin on September 21. While Project Pat has not issued a public statement regarding these recent legal developments, he has remained dedicated to his community work, continuing his faith-based outreach and prison ministry through his non-profit organization, the Go Foundation.
