OAKLAND, OH – A routine shoe sale turned deadly on Saturday, March 29, when an 18-year-old high school senior was killed in a violent robbery. The victim, Joaquin Simmons, was selling a pair of Balenciaga sneakers through Facebook Marketplace when the transaction took a tragic turn.
Simmons, who had a passion for fashion, arranged to meet a buyer in E. Oakland-Ohio. However, upon arrival, the buyer began arguing over the price and the authenticity of the sneakers. Feeling uneasy, a family member accompanying Simmons took a photo of the suspect’s car and license plate—a small action that escalated the situation.
Realizing they had been photographed, the suspects turned violent. As Simmons handed over the shoes, the buyer’s passenger suddenly grabbed them and tried to flee. Simmons, refusing to let go, struggled to keep hold of the sneakers as the car sped off.
A witness reported that the suspect began assaulting Simmons, pulling his hair and repeatedly punching him. The violence escalated further when the suspect struck Simmons in the head with a gun before pushing him out of the moving car—while it was traveling at an estimated 70 to 80 miles per hour.
Simmons’ father, who was nearby, ran barefoot for two blocks in a desperate attempt to help his son. Paramedics arrived shortly after, but Simmons was in critical condition. Days later, his family confirmed that he had succumbed to his injuries.
Police are actively investigating the case, but the three suspects remain unidentified. A 16-year-old was questioned in connection with the crime but was later released. Simmons was set to graduate this year, but instead of celebrating his achievements, his family is now planning his funeral.
