Thirteen-year-old Josiah Brackens, a Martin Behrman Charter School student and marching band tuba player, was fatally shot the evening of Thursday, April 30, 2026, near the 1400 block of Angus Drive in Harvey, Louisiana. The shooting prompted immediate investigation by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.

A 15-year-old was arrested the following day on a charge of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice; due to his age the name has not been released. Josiah’s mother, Darrineka Brackens, said the two boys were acquainted and that they had a physical altercation the day before the shooting. Josiah’s family had suffered a prior loss when his older brother Jonathan died in a house fire nearly twelve years earlier.

Friends, family and community members held a balloon release to honor Josiah. The legal process is proceeding in the juvenile system and the full circumstances and outcome remain to be determined. If anyone knew Josiah, his activities that week, or has information about the shooting, please come forward.