On Thanksgiving Day in 2017, a day typically marked by family gatherings and gratitude, the life of Carlos Simmons was tragically cut short in Tucson, Arizona. The 38-year-old Black male was fatally shot on November 23, 2017, in the 2000 block of East Roger Road. The incident, which stemmed from an argument, shattered the peace of the holiday and left a family to mourn an irreversible loss.
Originally from Forrest City, Arkansas, Carlos, affectionately known as 'Los,' had made Arizona
his home, a place he grew to love. A skillful subcontractor, he was remembered by friends and family for his infectious smile and deep love for his family. In his younger years at Riley High School in South Bend, Indiana, he was a dedicated football player, though his true sporting passion was basketball. He and his friends would spend long hours practicing for the Gus Macker Basketball Tournament, a testament to his dedication and camaraderie.
The investigation into the Thanksgiving morning shooting led Tucson police to identify 37-year-old Lamont Adams as the suspect. In a swift response from law enforcement, Adams was located and arrested at an apartment complex not far from the scene of the crime. He was subsequently booked into the Pima County Jail and charged with first-degree murder.
The legal process that followed brought a measure of justice for the senseless act of violence. Lamont Adams was found guilty of the murder of Carlos Simmons and was sentenced to life in prison. While the conviction and sentencing closed the legal chapter of this tragedy, it could not fill the void left in the lives of those who knew and loved Carlos. He is survived by his mother and father, his two daughters, and numerous siblings, nieces, nephews, and other relatives who continue to cherish his memory.
