Alashia Collins was a 17-year-old Black female from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who was on the verge of graduating from high school. Known to friends and family as "Lay Lay," she was described by her mother, Nicole Collins, as beautiful, sweet-hearted, and a blend of "young energy, but old soul." Alashia attended Madison Prep and had aspirations of becoming a police officer after she graduated.
She was looking forward to her career and the life ahead of her.
On the evening of April 22, 2022, Alashia was at the Broadmoor Plantation Apartments on Florida Boulevard, where she was involved in a physical fight. At approximately 6:52 p.m., as she attempted to drive away from the scene, she was shot. According to her mother, one person stood in front of Alashia’s car while another person shot at her three times. Alashia was rushed to a local hospital, but she died from her injuries.
Baton Rouge Police quickly identified and arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting: Joshua London, 23, and Queriana Richard, 20, who had been a friend to Alashia and her family. Investigators reported that London fired the fatal shot from a vehicle that Richard was driving. Both were booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. London was initially charged with second-degree murder and illegal use of a weapon, while Richard was charged with obstruction of justice.
The case concluded with convictions for both defendants. Joshua London entered into a plea agreement, pleading guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison. During his court appearance, London apologized for his actions, an apology Alashia’s mother felt was sincere. Queriana Richard was convicted of accessory after the fact and was sentenced to one year of supervised probation and 100 hours of court-approved community service.
In the years following her daughter's death, Nicole Collins has spoken publicly about her family's loss and her personal journey toward healing. She has called for the community to address the root causes of violence by supporting young people and teaching them how to manage their emotions. As of July 2024, both individuals responsible for Alashia's death had been sentenced, bringing the legal proceedings to a close.
