On a tragic night in Des Moines, Washington, the life of Antoine Matthews, a 32-year-old Black male, was cut short. On September 26, 2021, a dispute that began inside the La Familia Sports Pub and Lounge tragically escalated in the parking lot, leading to a fatal shooting that claimed the lives of three people, including Matthews.
The incident began with an argument between two individuals inside the bar.
This initial conflict spilled out into the parking lot, where a physical altercation ensued. As the altercation intensified, two people involved got into separate vehicles and began shooting into the crowd as they drove away. In the chaos that followed, Antoine Matthews, along with 26-year-old Ezra Taylor and 46-year-old Angelia Hylton, were fatally wounded. Three other individuals were also injured in the gunfire. The brazen violence of the act sent shockwaves through the community and prompted an intensive investigation by the Des Moines Police Department.
In the weeks following the shooting, detectives worked diligently, reviewing surveillance footage and appealing to the public for any information or cellphone video that could help identify the perpetrators. Their investigation led them to identify Joshua D. Puloka, also known as Joshua Everybodytalksabout, as the primary suspect in the triple homicide. Authorities also identified another man, Demarcus L. Simmons, as a suspect in the assault that occurred just before the shooting.
A warrant was issued for Puloka's arrest on three counts of murder. Considered armed and dangerous, a public plea was made for assistance in locating him. Weeks after the shooting, Puloka turned himself in to the authorities. He was subsequently charged with the murders of Antoine Matthews, Ezra Taylor, and Angelia Hylton.
In the ensuing legal proceedings, a jury found Joshua Puloka guilty of murder, manslaughter, and assault. The families of the victims endured a painful trial, culminating in a tense sentencing hearing. Despite the palpable grief and anger in the courtroom, justice was served as the judge sentenced Puloka to life in prison without the possibility of release, ensuring that the man responsible for the senseless deaths of three innocent people would no longer be a threat to the community.
