Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the February 21, 2025, shooting death of Joseph Simmons, following a month-long investigation by the Live Oak Police Department and multiple law enforcement agencies.
Officers responded to a vehicle crash at approximately 7:30 a.m. in the area of 424 Johnson Avenue, where they discovered a 2010 silver Audi with damage consistent with a single-vehicle crash. Inside the car, officers found Simmons, a white male, deceased with a gunshot wound to his upper left torso. The Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed his death was the result of a gunshot wound. Evidence at the scene, including bullet casings and holes in the vehicle, indicated that multiple gunshots had been fired before Simmons’ vehicle came to a stop.
The investigation revealed that Simmons had been in contact with Tara Williams, 18, of Live Oak, through social media. Williams allegedly lured Simmons to the location under the pretense of meeting in person. Once there, two suspects, Zed Washington, 20, of Jasper, and Zac’Tavious Webb, 17, of Live Oak, approached Simmons’ vehicle and attempted to rob him at gunpoint. When Simmons resisted, he was shot. He managed to drive approximately 75 yards before crashing into a pile of cut firewood.
Williams, Washington, and Webb have been arrested and are facing charges of Tampering with Evidence, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, and Felony Murder.
The Live Oak Police Department acknowledged the assistance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as well as the Hamilton, Columbia, and Suwannee County Sheriff’s Offices, in bringing the case to a resolution. The department expressed its condolences to Simmons’ family, stating that they hope the arrests bring some measure of closure to his loved ones.
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