Zarian Simpson, an 18-year-old Black man from Columbia, Missouri, was shot on the evening of June 15, 2025 at the Eastgate apartment complex near East Broadway and Old Highway 63. He was found with a gunshot wound to the head and died shortly after being taken to a local hospital. Born August 30, 2006, Zarian was remembered by family and his girlfriend as smart, kind, quiet, thoughtful, and creative; he enjoyed music and working on cars and was one of five brothers.

Columbia Police detectives identified multiple suspects as the investigation unfolded. A juvenile was first taken into custody, and authorities later arrested four people in connection with the robbery and murder, including 34-year-old Steven Paden and three juveniles, one reported to be as young as 13. Paden and two juveniles were captured in nearby Glasgow. Boone County prosecutors charged Paden with second-degree murder and robbery; he was jailed without bond. The juvenile initially arrested faces multiple charges including second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon. Under state law the juvenile suspects’ names have not been released pending possible certification to adult court.

Anyone who knew Zarian or has information about the shooting is asked to come forward.