In the summer of 2020, the life of 25-year-old Joshua Lee Woods was cut short in a violent encounter in Springfield, Missouri. A young man from the nearby town of Nixa, Joshua was known by friends and family for his infectious smile and giving nature. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 2, 1994. An avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, he also enjoyed playing baseball, drumming, and skateboarding.
His faith was an important part of his life, and he attended the First Central Baptist Church in Highlandville.
On the evening of June 17, 2020, Joshua accompanied a father and son, 48-year-old Rick Johnson and 27-year-old Rick Johnson Jr., to an apartment complex in Springfield. The trio was there to confront individuals they believed had stolen from the elder Johnson. The situation escalated when Joshua and the younger Johnson, who was armed, attempted to force their way into an apartment. In a sudden and tragic turn of events, a resident inside the apartment fired a gun through the door, striking and killing Joshua.
Following an investigation into the fatal shooting, authorities did not charge the resident who fired the weapon. Instead, in late August of 2020, prosecutors charged Rick Johnson Sr. and Rick Johnson Jr. with second-degree murder in connection with Joshua’s death. The charges were filed under Missouri's felony murder rule, which holds that if a death occurs during the commission of a dangerous felony, all participants in that felony can be held responsible for the death. Both men were also charged with unlawful use of a weapon. At the time the charges were announced, both Johnsons were already incarcerated for unrelated cases.
