Josiah Pujols

Josiah Pujols was an intelligent and athletic 16-year-old student at Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, where he played on the football team. Known to friends and family as "JoJo," the Black teenager was remembered as an incredibly loyal friend who was always a shoulder for others to lean on. Despite facing hardships in his life, he was known for persevering and had a kind word and smile for everyone he met. In his honor, his high school planned to retire his #3 jersey.

On the evening of December 10, 2020, Josiah’s aunt, Brittany Gaskins, drove him and a 17-year-old friend on what she believed was an errand to pick up clothes in Metairie, Louisiana. The trip, however, was for a prearranged marijuana deal that took a violent turn in a parking lot in the 3900 block of Division Street. The meeting, which Gaskins said took her completely by surprise, quickly erupted into a gunfight.

During the transaction, Josiah’s 17-year-old companion exited their vehicle and opened fire, shooting and killing 22-year-old Melvin Francis. In response, an associate of Francis, 21-year-old Robert White, fired back into the car where Josiah and his aunt were sitting. A bullet struck Josiah in the head, killing him. His aunt was also wounded in the exchange. She managed to drive away from the scene to a nearby apartment before she realized she had been shot and called for help.

Investigators from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office soon pieced together the events. Robert White remained at the scene, identified himself to deputies, and admitted his involvement, stating he had fired in self-defense. His account was supported by video surveillance. While he was not charged with murder, he was arrested on drug and weapon charges. Josiah’s 17-year-old companion was also arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, holding him responsible for the death of Melvin Francis and for initiating the shootout that led to Josiah’s death.

The 17-year-old co-defendant was charged as an adult. In November 2023, he pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the deaths of both Melvin Francis and Josiah Pujols. Robert White pleaded guilty to a firearms charge related to the shootout and was sentenced to five years in prison.