Marquis Simmons

Marquis Simmons, a 25-year-old Black / African American man from Milton, Massachusetts, was remembered by his family as sweet, goofy, kind, and "one of a kind." A contractor who enjoyed working on cars and scooters, he had built the moped he often rode from scratch. His mother said he was just beginning to plan for his future, with dreams of owning property and starting his own business. His sister recalled that he valued family above all and was always there to help others, including elderly neighbors he would help with shoveling snow.

On the evening of July 10, 2021, Simmons rode his moped to Belvoir Road, near his family’s home in Milton. At approximately 6 p.m., he dismounted the vehicle and was shot in the upper chest from a few yards away. A witness heard two "pops" and saw two men running from the scene. Simmons was rushed to Boston Medical Center for emergency surgery, but he did not survive his injuries. In the days that followed, loved ones gathered for a vigil, lighting candles to honor his memory.

The investigation proceeded quickly. At the scene, while fading in and out of consciousness, Simmons was able to tell a responding officer that the person who shot him was "Mizzy, Mizzy Cash." Investigators determined that "Mizzy Cash" was the name used by 21-year-old Myles King, a local rap artist. Witnesses also reported seeing a black Mercedes with Maine plates leaving the area, and a car matching that description was spotted in King's driveway shortly after the shooting. Less than 24 hours later, police arrested King on a murder warrant.

During King’s arraignment in Quincy District Court, a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf, and he was ordered held without bail. Prosecutors revealed that King and Simmons had a history; in 2019, King had been arrested outside of Simmons' home while sitting in a stolen car with a loaded handgun. That case was still pending at the time of the shooting. Family members noted that both Simmons and King were aspiring rappers and may have known each other through their shared interest in music.

In November 2021, a Norfolk County grand jury indicted Myles King on a charge of first-degree murder. The grand jury also indicted Bryanna Gardener, who was reportedly in a relationship with King, on a charge of being an accessory after murder. As of March 2024, the murder case against Myles King was pending trial.