Joshua Simmons, 18, died in an accidental shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, on the evening of January 17, 2024. The shooting happened just before 6 p.m. in the 4100 block of Via Street while Simmons was a passenger in a car with several acquaintances. A 16-year-old male in the backseat was handling an AR pistol when it discharged and a single bullet struck Simmons in the upper body. Emergency services pronounced Simmons dead at the scene.

Responding officers detained the 16-year-old and other witnesses for questioning; the juvenile was later arrested and charged with manslaughter. The case was forwarded to the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Few additional details about the legal proceedings have been released.

If anyone who knew Joshua or witnessed the incident can provide information that might help the investigation, please come forward.