INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis mother is mourning the loss of her youngest son, 19-year-old Jermiaha Billups, who was shot and killed Friday morning on the city’s near west side—marking the second time in just over two years that she has lost a son to gun violence.
Police say the shooting happened just after 9:30 a.m. in an alley near 11th and Tibbs, where Jermiaha was allegedly robbed, shot, and left for dead.
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“This don’t seem real. It doesn’t make any sense,” said Tansherice Billups, Jermiaha’s mother.
She described her son as someone who always enjoyed the finer things.
“He was my kid that had the filet mignon taste,” she said. “Since he was little, he always liked the finer things in life.”
The tragedy echoes a devastating moment from April 2023, when Jermiaha’s older brother, 22-year-old Jyir Billups, was shot and killed at a gas station near 34th and Emerson. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Jyir did not survive.
“I feel I’m gonna wake up and both of them are gonna walk through the door and be like, ‘Gotcha,’” Tansherice said. “But I know that’s not true.”
Following Jyir’s death, the family faced financial struggles. Jermiaha was charged with drug dealing last year, and his trial was scheduled to begin in just a few weeks.
“He lost hope. He couldn’t see past the right now,” Tansherice said.
Now, she hopes sharing her family’s pain will serve as a wake-up call to young people who might be caught up in dangerous choices.
“Even if I couldn’t help my own, y’all got to know we care,” she said. “We’ve got to get these kids back to loving themselves, because when you love yourself, you value life.”
As of now, no arrests have been made in either son’s homicide.
Anyone with information about Jermiaha’s death is urged to contact Detective Douglas Swails at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475 or via email at [email protected].
For information regarding Jyir’s 2023 case, contact Detective Michael Wright at the same number or email [email protected].
Tips can also be shared anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-TIPS (8477)..
