OAKLAND, OH – A routine sneaker sale turned into a horrific act of violence, leaving 18-year-old Joaquin Simmons dead after a botched robbery on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Simmons, a high school senior with a passion for fashion, frequently used Facebook Marketplace to buy and sell high-end clothing and sneakers. But what should have been just another transaction took a devastating turn when he met with a buyer to sell a pair of Balenciaga sneakers.
A Sale Turns Deadly
That evening, Simmons and a family member arrived at a pre-arranged meeting location in East Oakland to complete the sale. His family says he had always been careful when selling items, preferring to meet buyers in public places to avoid any danger. But this time, even precautions weren’t enough.
According to a relative who was with Simmons, the deal quickly soured when the buyer began arguing over the price and authenticity of the shoes. Sensing something was off, Simmons’ family member discreetly snapped a photo of the suspect’s car and license plate—a decision that may have sealed the teen’s fate.
Realizing they had been photographed, the suspect and an accomplice became agitated. Suddenly, the situation turned violent.
One of the suspects, sitting in the passenger seat, grabbed the sneakers from Simmons. But Simmons refused to let go, determined to protect what was his.
As the car sped off at high speed, Simmons was dragged alongside it, desperately struggling with the thief.
Then, in a horrifying escalation, the suspect punched Simmons repeatedly, yanked his hair, and hit him in the head with a gun before finally shoving him out of the moving car—while traveling 70 to 80 miles per hour.
A Father’s Desperate Plea
Simmons’ father, who had been nearby, saw everything unfold. In a moment of sheer desperation and panic, he ran barefoot for two blocks, chasing after the car and trying to reach his son. But by the time he got there, it was too late.
Paramedics arrived on the scene within minutes, finding Simmons in critical condition. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors fought to save his life. However, days later, his family confirmed his passing.
A Life Cut Short
Joaquin Simmons was more than just a sneaker reseller—he was a dreamer with a bright future. A dedicated student and an aspiring entrepreneur, Simmons had big plans after high school, with ambitions to one day start his own fashion business.
He was set to graduate in just a few months, a milestone he and his family had eagerly anticipated. But instead of preparing for a graduation ceremony, his family is now planning his funeral.
A Community in Mourning
News of Simmons’ tragic death has left his school, friends, and family in shock. Heartfelt tributes have poured in across social media, with classmates and teachers remembering him as kind, hardworking, and full of life.
“He was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it,” one of his close friends shared. “It’s just unreal that someone like him is gone over a pair of shoes.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are actively investigating the case, but so far, the three suspects remain unidentified. A 16-year-old was briefly taken into custody but was later released. Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help track down the individuals responsible for Simmons’ death.
His family is now advocating for increased safety awareness for online sales meetups, urging people to always meet in well-lit, public locations with security cameras or designated “Safe Exchange Zones.”
As they seek justice for Joaquin, they also hope his story serves as a stark warning about the dangers that can arise from what seem like ordinary transactions.
Gone But Never Forgotten
Joaquin Simmons’ death is a heart-wrenching reminder of how quickly life can change. A young man full of ambition and kindness, he had his whole future ahead of him—only for it to be stolen in an act of senseless violence.
His family, friends, and community will continue to honor his memory, ensuring that his story is never forgotten. As they grieve this unimaginable loss, one thing is certain: Joaquin Simmons deserved better.