Joaquin Simmons, 18, Tragically Beaten, Dragged, and Killed in East Oakland During Facebook Marketplace Shoe Sale—Family Seeks Justice and Answers
The Simmons family is mourning the loss of their son, 18-year-old Joaquin Simmons, whose life was tragically cut short during what should have been a routine Facebook Marketplace transaction. On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Joaquin was senselessly killed during a violent robbery while attempting to sell a pair of Balenciaga sneakers. A promising young man with a passion for fashion, Simmons had been looking forward to graduating from high school this year, but his dreams have been shattered, and his family is now left to grapple with the heart-wrenching reality of his untimely death.
A Simple Sale Turns Deadly
Joaquin Simmons, an 18-year-old high school senior from East Oakland, was known for his love of sneakers and streetwear, a passion that led him to use Facebook Marketplace as a platform to buy and sell items. On the afternoon of March 29, 2025, Joaquin arranged to meet a buyer in East Oakland-Ohio, hoping to sell a pair of high-end Balenciaga sneakers. For many young people like Joaquin, these online marketplace transactions are a routine part of life, but for him, this particular exchange would prove to be anything but ordinary.
Accompanying Joaquin during the meeting was a family member who was there to ensure his safety, a precaution that would sadly prove crucial in the minutes that followed. As Joaquin and the buyer began to discuss the shoes, tensions quickly rose. The buyer started to argue about the price, questioning whether the shoes were real, and demanding a significantly lower amount. Sensing that something was off, the family member took a photo of the suspect’s car and its license plate number, an action intended to document the encounter for safety reasons. Little did they know that this seemingly small act would escalate the situation into an act of unspeakable violence.
The Violent Attack
After noticing the family member taking the photo, the buyer’s demeanor quickly turned hostile. According to the family member’s account, the suspect in the car became furious, prompting the situation to spiral out of control. The passenger in the car, who had remained relatively quiet during the initial negotiations, suddenly made his move. In one swift motion, he reached over, grabbed the sneakers from Joaquin’s hands, and attempted to flee the scene. However, Joaquin refused to let go. Determined to protect the property he had worked hard for, he clung to the shoes as the car began to speed off.
The scene quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. Witnesses say that the passenger in the suspect’s car began to punch Joaquin repeatedly, pulling his hair and hitting him in the head with a gun, all while the car was accelerating. As the car reached speeds of 70 to 80 miles per hour, the situation grew even more chaotic. Without warning, the passenger forced Joaquin out of the moving vehicle, pushing him onto the pavement as the car continued to speed away.
At that moment, Joaquin’s family member, who had been a witness to the horrifying events, immediately called for help. Joaquin’s father, frantic and desperate to save his son, ran barefoot for two blocks, trying to reach his son, who had been left behind on the road. He was in shock, unsure if his son was alive or dead, but unwilling to give up until he could find him. Tragically, by the time paramedics arrived at the scene, Joaquin had already suffered catastrophic injuries and was in critical condition.
Joaquin’s Struggle for Life and Final Moments
Joaquin was rushed to the hospital, but despite the heroic efforts of medical staff, his injuries were too severe. His family was left to endure the excruciating pain of watching their son, who had so much potential and so many dreams, slip away from them. Just days after the attack, Joaquin’s family confirmed their worst fears: their beloved son had passed away from his injuries, leaving them heartbroken and in utter disbelief.
In the days that followed, Joaquin’s parents, friends, and community members rallied together to honor his memory and to seek justice for his untimely death. Joaquin was known for his kind heart, his love for fashion, and his aspirations to make a name for himself in the world. He had been excited to graduate from high school, a milestone that was now tragically out of reach.
His family has spoken out, sharing their grief and calling for justice for their son. They are now facing the difficult task of planning a funeral, a heartbreaking reality for a family that had been planning to celebrate their son’s graduation just months ago. In addition to their loss, they are struggling with the unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of Joaquin’s death.
The Investigation and Ongoing Search for Suspects
The Oakland Police Department has launched an investigation into the robbery and murder, but as of now, the suspects remain at large. Authorities have confirmed that a 16-year-old individual was questioned in connection with the crime but was later released. At this time, the identity of the suspects involved in the brutal attack remains unknown, and police are continuing their efforts to track down the individuals responsible for Joaquin’s death.
The incident has shaken the local community, leaving many in shock and disbelief that a simple
