OAKLAND, OH – Tragic Death of 18-Year-Old Joaquin Simmons Following Violent Robbery Turns Heartbreaking for Family
The Oakland community is reeling from the senseless death of 18-year-old Joaquin Simmons, a young man with his whole life ahead of him. What began as a seemingly routine exchange over sneakers quickly escalated into an unimaginable act of violence, leaving Joaquin clinging to life in the street after a violent robbery turned fatal.
On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Joaquin arranged to meet a couple of individuals through Facebook Marketplace to sell a pair of sneakers. What should have been a simple transaction turned deadly when the suspects attempted to steal the sneakers from Joaquin during the exchange.
A Tragic Turn of Events
According to law enforcement officials, Joaquin refused to let go of the sneakers as the suspects, in a rush to escape with their ill-gotten prize, jumped into their vehicle. In response, the suspects reportedly began to physically assault Joaquin. The violence escalated quickly—first with punches, and then with a gunshot that struck Joaquin’s skull.
In an even more brutal turn, the suspects threw Joaquin from their car as they fled the scene, speeding away into the night, leaving Joaquin broken and lying in the street. His father, who had been nearby, ran to his son’s side but could only watch in helpless horror as paramedics fought to save Joaquin.
Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of emergency responders, Joaquin Simmons was pronounced dead just days later in the hospital. His family is left grappling with the gut-wrenching loss of a young man full of potential, a son who had just begun to make his way in life.
The Search for Justice
As of now, the suspects responsible for this horrific crime are still at large. The Oakland Police Department has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, who are believed to have driven away in a dark-colored vehicle. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information to come forward.
Detectives have gathered evidence from the scene and are combing through surveillance footage in an effort to identify the suspects. However, the search for justice has so far yielded little in terms of leads.
A Family in Mourning
Joaquin’s family, particularly his father, is heartbroken. As they prepare to lay their son to rest, they are left with more questions than answers. What drove these individuals to commit such an unspeakable act over something as trivial as a pair of sneakers? Why was Joaquin targeted so violently, and why has justice not yet been served?
The pain of losing Joaquin is immeasurable for his family. Those who knew him remember him as a bright, kind, and promising young man with a future full of hope and opportunity. His family is now forced to reckon with the devastating reality that he will never get to fulfill that future.
Seeking Closure and Accountability
Joaquin’s death has left a void in the hearts of those who loved him. His family, friends, and the community of Oakland are left to pick up the pieces, grappling with the cruel violence that took his life too soon. They are asking for the community’s help in finding the suspects, hoping that justice will eventually be served and that no other family will have to endure the same heartbreak.
Police continue to investigate the case, working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. Authorities are urging anyone with any information to come forward and share it, no matter how small it may seem. Every detail counts in the pursuit of the people who took Joaquin Simmons’ life in such a tragic and violent manner.
For Joaquin’s family, justice is not just about finding the suspects—it is about ensuring that the memory of their son, brother, and friend is honored, and that those who took his life are held accountable for their actions.