Josiah Sims was a 17-year-old Black male described by his mother, Erika Sims, as funny and someone who loved to rap. On the afternoon of February 20, 2024, he was fatally shot near his grandmother’s home in the Millbrook neighborhood of southeast Columbus, Ohio. Columbus police responded to a shooting near Holburn Avenue and Moler Road at about 4:41 p.m.; Josiah was found with a gunshot wound and taken to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 5:20 p.m.

Josiah’s grandmother, Marla Sims, said the confrontation began over a pair of sweatpants and a washcloth and involved a cousin, Angelo Bowers, who she said was not supposed to be near the house. She said Bowers followed Josiah down the street when Josiah tried to leave and shot him. Police arrested two men, identified as 44-year-old Angelo Bowers Jr. and 64-year-old Roy Hairston, and charged them with murder.

The family called the death unexpected and senseless and set up an online fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses. If anyone was in the Millbrook area that afternoon or has information about what happened near Holburn Avenue and Moler Road, please share what is known.