On a Tuesday evening in Franklin, Tennessee, the life of 32-year-old Lattarius Johnson, a male aspiring musician, was tragically cut short. On February 11, 2025, police responded to reports of gunfire on Valor Court around 6:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Johnson on the ground with gunshot wounds. He was quickly transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Franklin Police Department promptly launched a homicide investigation, which they described as an
'isolated incident.' Their investigation led them to identify a suspect, and less than a week later, on February 17, 2025, they arrested 37-year-old Robert Lee Fitzgerald Jr. in connection with Johnson's death. Fitzgerald was subsequently charged with criminal homicide and booked into the Williamson County Jail, with his bond set at one million dollars.
While an arrest has been made, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lattarius Johnson's death continues. Authorities have been actively searching for additional evidence to build their case against Fitzgerald. In the days following the shooting, investigators, including a police dive team, were seen searching the Duck River for evidence connected to the homicide. The motive for the shooting is believed to have been a drug deal that turned violent.
The community has been urged to come forward with any information that may be pertinent to the case. Crime Stoppers of Williamson County has offered a reward of up to $1,000 for tips that lead to a conviction. The case was noted as the first homicide in Franklin for the year 2025, a city where such violent crimes are considered rare.
