Joseph W. Diaz, a 36-year-old Hispanic man, was fatally shot on the evening of October 28, 2023, at a residence in Buena Vista Township, Michigan. Diaz had been spending time with a friend, Robert Sampson Jr., when Sampson, reportedly intoxicated, began handling a firearm recklessly and the weapon unintentionally discharged, striking Diaz. Emergency responders transported Diaz to a local hospital, where he later died.

The Buena Vista Township Police Department investigated and arrested 53-year-old Robert Sampson Jr. The investigation concluded the shooting was not malicious but resulted from gross negligence in handling the firearm. Sampson was charged with careless discharge of a firearm causing death, pleaded no contest, and was sentenced to five years probation with the first year to be served in the Saginaw County Jail.

Anyone who knew Joseph, was at the residence that night, or has information about the incident is asked to come forward.