Teen Girl Indicted for Murder in Shooting Death of Project Pat’s Son

An 18-year-old teenager has been indicted in Memphis, Tennessee, in connection with the fatal January 2025 shooting of Patrick Houston Jr., the 21-year-old son of Memphis rap legend Project Pat.

Key Details from the Indictment

• Primary Charges: 18-year-old Jermiesia Franklin faces two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, and tampering with or fabricating evidence.
• Alleged Role: Authorities allege that Franklin, who was 16 at the time of the crime, was the actual shooter who intentionally shot Houston Jr. and took his cell phone following the incident.
• High Bond: Franklin is currently being held at the Shelby County Jail on a $5 million bond.
• Prior Charges: Franklin also faces separate charges of attempted second-degree murder and firearm use stemming from an unrelated September 2024 incident.

Second Suspect and Impending Trial

Franklin is the second individual charged in relation to the fatal shooting. Talia Jones, 19, was previously apprehended in Minnesota in July 2025 and charged with aggravated robbery and tampering with evidence. Prosecutors indicate that while Jones assisted in the incident, Franklin carried out the shooting.

Both suspects are scheduled for a report date on September 16, with a joint trial set to begin on September 21.

Background

Officers with the Memphis Police Department discovered Patrick Houston Jr. shot to death on January 10, 2025, after responding to a shooting call in South Memphis.

Project Pat has not issued public comments regarding the legal proceedings, continuing his community work through his non-profit organization, the Go Foundation.

Woman charged in connection to murder of son of Memphis rapper This video provides local news coverage regarding the law enforcement updates and arrests connected to the murder of Project Pat’s son.