Legal proceedings are advancing in the 2025 homicide of Patrick Houston Jr., the 21-year-old son of Memphis hip-hop icon Project Pat. A second individual has now been formally indicted in connection with the case, which saw the victim shot and killed in Memphis last year.
According to reports from ABC 24 Memphis, 18-year-old Jermiesia Franklin faces multiple serious charges, including 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 mobile device following the shooting. Franklin, who was 16 at the time of the incident, is currently detained at the Shelby County Jail on a $5 million bond. Beyond this case, she is also facing separate legal challenges related to an incident from September 2024, which include charges of attempted second-degree murder and firearm possession during a felony.
Authorities identified Franklin as the primary shooter, while 19-year-old Talia Jones—who was arrested in Minnesota in July 2025—is accused of assisting in the crime. Jones faces her own set of charges, specifically for aggravated robbery and tampering with evidence. The two suspects are scheduled to appear in court on September 16 for a report date, with a joint trial slated to begin shortly after on September 21.
The tragic death of Houston Jr. occurred on January 10, 2025, when police discovered his body while responding to a shooting call. While Project Pat has not issued public statements regarding the ongoing legal developments or the loss of his son, he has remained dedicated to his community work. Through his non-profit, the Go Foundation, the rapper continues to participate in faith-based outreach, frequently speaking at churches and visiting correctional facilities.