Wartario Franklin Jr., 19, was shot and killed in his family’s home in Memphis in the early morning of April 24, 2018. He had graduated from Whitehaven High School and was scheduled to have a physical that same day as part of an Army application. Around 2:45 a.m., someone removed the screen from his bedroom window and opened fire while he was asleep. His mother, Lutissue Marshall, found him with multiple gunshot wounds; he died in her arms before help arrived.

Wartario is remembered as a happy, smiling young man who wanted to join the military to leave Memphis and provide for his family. No suspects have been publicly identified and no arrests have been made; the investigation remains open.

If anyone knew Wartario, his movements that night, or has information about the window or possible witnesses, please come forward.