An 18-year-old man, Joshua Simmons, tragically lost his life in an accidental shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, on the evening of January 17, 2024. The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. in the 4100 block of Via Street, where Simmons was a passenger in a car with several acquaintances.
According to the Shreveport Police Department, a 16-year-old male who was in the backseat of the vehicle was handling an AR pistol when the firearm discharged.
A single bullet struck Simmons in the upper body. Emergency services were called to the scene, but Simmons was pronounced dead from his injuries.
Law enforcement officers who responded to the call detained the 16-year-old and other witnesses at the scene for questioning. The investigation that followed led to the arrest of the juvenile. Due to his age, his name has not been publicly released by the authorities. He was subsequently charged with manslaughter in connection with Simmons' death.
The case has been handed over to the Caddo Parish District Attorney's Office for prosecution. Further details regarding the legal proceedings and the outcome of the charges against the teenage suspect have not yet been made available to the public. The community was left mourning the sudden and senseless loss of a young life.
