TOLEDO, Ohio — A courtroom filled with heightened emotions as three teens appeared before Judge Amy Stoner Thursday, facing charges of aggravated murder in connection with the death of 17-year-old Joaquin “Wak” Simmons. The charges stem from an incident in March that resulted in Simmons’ tragic death after a dispute over a pair of shoes.
The teens, all Springfield High School students, were accused of dragging Simmons to his death after a confrontation over a Facebook Marketplace transaction. According to police, Simmons arranged to meet the teens to sell a pair of shoes, but the meeting quickly escalated into an argument over the price. In the heat of the dispute, one of the suspects allegedly grabbed the shoes from Simmons while another grabbed him by the hair. As the driver of the vehicle sped off, Simmons was dragged along the road, suffering a traumatic brain injury. He died a few days later in the hospital.
Emotions ran high in the courtroom as family members of both the victim and the suspects struggled to contain their grief and anger. Tensions reached a boiling point before Judge Stoner even took the bench. She addressed the disruption in the room before beginning proceedings, warning that if the behavior continued, she would only allow the victim’s family and the defendants’ families to be present.
“I will first note I’ve been made aware there’s been some disruption in this courtroom prior to my entering,” said Judge Stoner. “I will note that if this continues or surfaces again, I will only permit the defendants’ families and the victim’s mother and father to be present in the courtroom.”
The victim’s family expressed their deep sorrow and frustration. Joaquin Simmons’ cousin, speaking outside the courtroom, struggled to understand why the defendants’ families were upset. “I don’t understand what they would be upset with us about,” she said. “Their babies killed our baby.”
The prosecution provided updates on the case, revealing that papers have been filed to certify the teens as adults, a process that is still ongoing. Juvenile Chief Prosecutor Patricia Wardrop emphasized the complexity of the case, with “a large volume of information” needing to be reviewed by defense attorneys.
Outside the courthouse, a group of Simmons’ family and supporters gathered, holding signs and chanting “Justice for Wak.” His cousin, who chose not to show her face, reflected on the emotional toll of the tragedy. “I miss his laugh and his hugs,” she said tearfully.
In the midst of the courtroom tension, Judge Stoner had to take action after a family member of the victim made a comment that further escalated the situation. The woman was subsequently banned from the courtroom, adding to the emotional strain of the proceedings. “It’s already an emotional roller coaster grieving, but when you’re grieving and it was somebody murdered in front of you… it’s a whole different type of roller coaster,” the woman said, defiantly. “I don’t care about being banned.”
Defense attorneys had requested the release of the three teens, but their request was denied. The teens remain in custody as the legal process continues.
As the case moves forward, the victim’s family holds out hope for justice, while the community grapples with the senseless loss of a young life.