Family calls for justice after robbery leads to death of 18-year-old in Toledo

TOLEDO, Ohio — Joaquin Simmons’ family says he was full of life, love and laughter, and was someone who brought people together and created a safe space for his friends.

That sense of safety was shattered when a robbery outside the family home ended with the teen fatally wounded.

“I lost a great son, a great friend, a great cousin,” Joaquin’s father, Stacey Simmons, said. “I’m broken.”

According to Stacey, Joaquin had planned to meet buyers for a pair of shoes at a safety zone near the University of Toledo. But after connecting with three interested teens, he allowed them to follow him home instead.

“He came to me and said, ‘I’m finna sell my shoes, come watch my back,'” Stacey recalled. “He runs off the porch, so eager to make a sale because it gave him joy.”

The Simmons’ home has long been a community gathering spot, especially for young people.

Family members described a lively environment where dozens of friends would often be found playing basketball and hanging out.

“Always at his house, Joaquin had at least 30 to 40 friends playing basketball in the yard. He felt safe there all the time,” one family member said.

But that sense of security was violently disrupted.

“The passenger reached and grabbed Joaquin and the shoes, and the driver sped off as fast as he could,” said a witness.

“Right in front of us. Everybody was out there, his cousins, his friends, everybody,” Stacey added.

Police responded to the intersection of Streicher and Mulberry streets around 4:20 p.m. on March 29, where they found Joaquin in the roadway. He succumbed to his injuries four days later.

Three suspects, two 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old, are now charged with murder.

Prosecutors say they will be tried as adults and face charges including aggravated murder, felonious assault and robbery. The teens appeared in juvenile court Tuesday morning and denied the charges. They will remain in custody until their next hearing on June 11.

As the legal process moves forward, Joaquin’s family is leaning on each other and the community, but Stacey said support alone isn’t enough.

“I tell my son and all his friends, there are traps out there for you guys. Don’t get caught in them,” he said. “Be good men, be good citizens. That’s what I call them, good citizens. All of my kids.”

The Simmons family said they’ll continue to honor Joaquin’s memory while fighting for justice and lasting change.