Former Texas Southern University football player Tyler Martinez was shot and killed on July 11, 2025, in a parking garage dispute at an apartment complex in southwest Houston, Texas. The 24-year-old defensive tackle was found with multiple gunshot wounds at the Mac 4660 Apartments on South MacGregor Way at Calhoun around 8:15 p.m.
Isaac Jasper Robinson, a 22-year-old Texas Southern University student, has been charged with murder in connection with Martinez’s death. Robinson confessed to the shooting after returning to the scene, according to court documents.
Court records reveal that the fatal incident began as a physical altercation between Martinez and Robinson, both residents of the same apartment complex. Witnesses told police that during the fight, Martinez had pinned Robinson to the ground. As Martinez began to walk away from the confrontation, a woman associated with Robinson retrieved a firearm from a vehicle and handed it to the suspect.
Robinson then allegedly fired three shots into Martinez’s torso, according to witness testimony provided to authorities. Martinez died at the scene despite attempts by the Houston Fire Department to save his life. The Houston Police Department arrested Robinson at the scene after he returned to confess his involvement.
Robinson appeared in Harris County Probable Cause Court, where prosecutors initially requested a $250,000 bond. The defense requested $75,000, citing Robinson’s lack of prior criminal history and current employment status. Judge Veronica M. Nelson ultimately set the bond at $150,000, though some sources indicate it was set at $100,000 or $200,000.
The bond conditions require Robinson to wear a GPS monitor, follow a nightly curfew, and abstain from weapons, drugs, and alcohol. He must also remain within Harris County or adjacent counties if released. Employment records indicate Robinson works as a security guard, though it remains unclear if he was stationed at the apartment complex where the shooting occurred.
Martinez played four seasons at Texas Southern University from 2019 through 2023, serving as a defensive tackle. The Houston native and Humble High School graduate stood six feet three inches tall and weighed 283 pounds. During his college career, he recorded 57 tackles and four sacks in 20 games, earning recognition from analysts who called him one of the top defensive tackles in the SWAC conference.
Texas Southern football chief of staff Charles Nichols said Martinez “was a young man who was loved by his teammates and his personality was larger than life.” The university confirmed Martinez’s death in an official statement earlier this week.
The investigation continues as authorities examine the role of the woman who provided the weapon to Robinson. Police are determining whether she will face charges for her involvement in the incident. It remains unclear whether Martinez and Robinson knew each other prior to the fatal confrontation, though both lived in the same apartment building near the Texas Southern campus.
Robinson is currently enrolled as a sophomore at Texas Southern University and works for a local security company. If convicted of first-degree murder under Texas state law, he could face life imprisonment.
The shooting occurred just blocks from the Texas Southern University campus, where Martinez had been a standout player during his four-year career. The university plans to hold a memorial service this week to honor Martinez’s life and impact on the football program and campus community.
Martinez’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from former teammates, coaches, and the broader Houston community. Social media tributes have described him as a passionate leader both on and off the field, with many calling his death a devastating loss for the Texas Southern football family.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about violence affecting college athletes and campus communities. Texas Southern University, a historically black college and university that competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, is working to support students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Sources:
https://abc13.com/post/jasper-robinson-22-charged-murder-former-tsu-athlete-tyler-martinez-shot-killed-sw-houston/17119426/
https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/former-texas-southern-football-player-tyler-martinez-dies-in-shooting-student-charged-with-murder/
https://www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/news/college-football-player-tyler-martinez-killed-in-shooting
https://abc13.com/post/former-texas-southern-university-football-player-tyler-martinez-killed-parking-garage-dispute-south-macgregor-calhoun/17091566/
https://hbcugameday.com/2025/07/13/former-hbcu-football-player-killed-current-student-charged/
