On the evening of April 4, 2025, a tragic shooting in Virginia Beach claimed the life of 20-year-old Joshua Rice. The young man was walking home on Osprey Street to his pregnant fiancée when he was struck by gunfire. The incident, which occurred just three days after his 20th birthday, left him with fatal injuries, and he succumbed to them at the scene.
Stray bullets from the shooting also struck nearby homes and cars, terrifying residents in the Aragona neighborhood.
Joshua was remembered by his family as a bright and loving young man whose smile could light up a room. He was known for his humor, kindness, and the great advice he offered his peers. An active individual, he had been involved in wrestling and poetry. He was eagerly anticipating the birth of his daughter, Tiana Lynae Rice, and was excited about the prospect of fatherhood.
In the wake of the shooting, the Virginia Beach Police Department launched a thorough investigation that led to the arrest of five individuals. Nineteen-year-old Ekue Dossekpli and 21-year-old Keandre Willie were among the first to be taken into custody. Both were charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Dossekpli faced an additional charge for a second offense of unlawful concealed carry.
Further investigation led to the apprehension of three more suspects. Nasir Carter, 18, and Taejohn Stewart, 21, were also charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. A fifth individual, 29-year-old Shaquita West, was charged with concealing or destroying physical evidence related to a felony offense. The arrests brought a measure of closure to a grieving family and community, as they prepared to celebrate Joshua's life and legacy. His mother, Sharon Rice, channeled her pain into a powerful message against gun violence, imploring young adults to consider the devastating consequences of their actions.
