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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (BFMG) — A 19-year-old inmate has been charged with first-degree murder after his cellmate, Erick Jones, 23, was fatally injured at the Shelby County Jail at 201 Poplar, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).
A corrections deputy responded to a disturbance at approximately 8:55 a.m. Tuesday and discovered Jones fatally injured inside his cell, the sheriff’s office said.
Corrections deputies and jail staff immediately administered lifesaving care until a Memphis Fire Department ambulance arrived. Jones was transported in critical condition to Regional One Health, where he was pronounced dead at 9:26 a.m.
Detectives began a homicide investigation and charged Jones’ cellmate, Johnathan Griffin, 19, with first-degree murder, authorities said.
Griffin was already being held on two counts of first-degree murder and other charges. Following Jones’ death, he was moved to a separation unit at the Main Jail, according to the sheriff’s office.
Booking information provided for Jones lists his booking date as Sept. 8, 2026, at 11:36 a.m. His listed charges included kidnapping and three entries for termination of diversion.
The sheriff’s office statement did not describe how Jones was injured or identify a weapon. It also did not provide a motive or explain what led to the disturbance.
The charges against Griffin are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
