Eighteen-year-old Joseph Simpson was shot in the Soulsville area of South Memphis on the evening of July 19, 2025, and died the following morning at a nearby hospital. His death came two days after his birthday. Joseph had graduated from Treadwell/Tresvant High School and was described by his father, Theodore Simpson, as a young man turning his life around. He had been involved with his church and Youth Villages, was applying to Southwest Community College, and hoped to join the army; family photos included one with the Tennessee governor.

The Memphis Police Department opened an investigation into the shooting, but as of late July 2025 no motive, person of interest, or arrest had been publicly identified. The family is left seeking answers after a promising young life was cut short.

If anyone in Soulsville or South Memphis that night saw what happened or has information about Joseph’s killing, please come forward.