Tyler Martinez, a former Texas Southern University football player, was fatally shot on July 11, 2025, after a physical confrontation in a parking garage at his Houston apartment complex. The 24-year-old defensive tackle was declared dead at the scene after receiving multiple gunshot wounds.
The shooting happened around 8:15 p.m. at the Mac 4460 Apartments on South MacGregor Way, just a few blocks from the Texas Southern University campus. Houston Police officers arrived to find Martinez unresponsive with several gunshot injuries.
Isaac Jasper Robinson, a 22-year-old sophomore at Texas Southern University, has been charged with murder in connection to Martinez’s death. According to court documents, Robinson admitted to the shooting after coming back to the scene. Both men lived in the same apartment complex where the incident unfolded.
Based on witness reports included in court filings, the conflict started as a physical struggle between Martinez and Robinson inside the parking garage. During the altercation, Martinez reportedly pinned Robinson to the ground. When the scuffle seemed to deescalate and Martinez began to walk away, a woman who was with Robinson grabbed a gun from a vehicle and handed it to him. Robinson then allegedly fired three shots into Martinez’s torso, killing him.
Robinson initially left the scene but later returned, where he was taken into custody by police. He was booked into Harris County Jail and charged with first-degree murder. In a court appearance on July 12, prosecutors recommended a $250,000 bond, while Robinson’s lawyer asked for $75,000, highlighting his client’s clean record and employment as a security guard.
Judge Veronica M. Nelson ultimately set bond at $150,000, imposing strict guidelines such as GPS tracking, a nightly curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and bans on weapons, drugs, and alcohol. If released, Robinson must remain within Harris County or neighboring areas.
Martinez had played defensive line for Texas Southern University for four seasons from 2019 to 2023. A Houston native and graduate of Humble High School, he finished his college career with 82 total tackles and 5.5 sacks. As a junior, he was second in tackles for the team with 44 and led in sacks with 3.5.
Charles Nichols, chief of staff for Texas Southern football, paid tribute to Martinez, describing him as a beloved teammate with a magnetic personality. Nichols remarked that Martinez liked to call himself the team’s best rapper and was always striving to get better as a player. He also mentioned being proud of Martinez for earning his degree and beginning his master’s studies.
Wide receivers coach Jerwin Wilson remembered Martinez as a pleasure to be around, an adventurous person who could light up any room. The coaching staff agreed that Martinez left a lasting impact both athletically and personally during his time with the team.
The Houston Fire Department was first on the scene at about 8:10 p.m., attempting to save Martinez, but he did not survive his injuries and was officially pronounced dead by paramedics. Lieutenant Amber Khan of the Houston Police confirmed that Martinez suffered multiple gunshot wounds during what authorities are calling a dispute in the parking garage.
Robinson remains enrolled as a sophomore at Texas Southern and works as a security guard. Court records note it is still unclear if Robinson and Martinez were acquainted before the deadly incident. Authorities are still investigating the identity and involvement of the woman who allegedly handed the firearm to Robinson.
This tragedy has reignited conversations about community and campus safety in Houston, particularly near Texas Southern University.