By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – Memphis, TN, – A significant legal development has emerged in the ongoing investigation into the untimely death of Patrick Houston Jr., the 21-year-old son of prominent Memphis rapper Project Pat. Two teenagers have been indicted in connection with the January 10, 2025, shooting that claimed Houston Jr.’s life, with one now facing the most serious charges as the alleged shooter.
According to recent reports from local Memphis news outlets, 18-year-old Jermiesia Franklin has been formally indicted on multiple felony counts, including two counts of first-degree murder. The indictment also encompasses charges of aggravated robbery and tampering with or fabricating evidence. Law enforcement officials believe Franklin was directly involved in the fatal incident, with the tampering charge stemming from the alleged theft of Houston Jr.’s cell phone following the shooting.
Franklin, who was reportedly 16 years old at the time of the crime, is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail on a substantial $5 million bond. Her legal troubles extend beyond this case, as she is also facing separate charges related to an unrelated incident in September 2024. These charges include attempted second-degree murder and the use of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, indicating a pattern of alleged violent behavior.
Franklin is the second individual to be indicted in connection with Houston Jr.’s death. Earlier, in July 2025, 19-year-old Talia Jones was apprehended in Minnesota. Jones is also facing charges of aggravated robbery and tampering with or fabricating evidence. Investigators have indicated that while Franklin is accused of being the triggerman, Jones allegedly played a role in assisting with the commission of the murder.
Both Franklin and Jones are scheduled to appear in court for a report date on September 16, with their joint trial slated to commence on September 21. The legal proceedings are expected to shed further light on the events that led to the tragic loss of Patrick Houston Jr.
The Memphis Police Department responded to a shooting call on January 10, 2025, where they discovered Houston Jr. deceased. The news of his death sent ripples through the music community, particularly among fans of his father, Project Pat, a seasoned artist known for his distinctive contributions to Southern hip-hop.
Project Pat, whose real name is Patrick Darnell Bartley Jr., has not made any public statements regarding the ongoing investigation or the loss of his son. Despite the personal tragedy, the artist has remained engaged in his faith-based outreach initiatives. Through his non-profit organization, the Go Foundation, he has continued his work visiting correctional facilities and speaking at churches, offering support and guidance.
The indictments mark a critical juncture in the pursuit of justice for Patrick Houston Jr. and his family. The upcoming trial will undoubtedly be closely watched, as the legal system seeks to determine the full extent of the defendants’ alleged involvement in this devastating crime. The case serves as a somber reminder of the persistent challenges of gun violence and its profound impact on individuals and communities. The legal process is now tasked with holding those responsible accountable for the loss of a young life.
