Live Oak Police Department
Contributor
On Friday, Feb. 21, at approximately 7:30 a.m., the Live Oak Police Department was dispatched to a vehicle crash in the area of 424 Johnson Ave. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 2010 Silver Audi two-door vehicle that had damage consistent with a single vehicle crash. Officers also discovered a white male, later identified as Joseph Simmons, deceased on scene. Simmons had an injury consistent with a single gunshot wound to his upper left torso. The Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed Simmons’s death was a result of gunshot wound. Casings recovered from the scene as well as bullet holes in the vehicle demonstrated that multiple gunshots had been fired at the vehicle prior to its final resting place. Simmons was determined to be the registered owner and likely driver of the vehicle. Based upon early investigative findings, a homicide investigation was initiated. Family members of Simmons were immediately notified.
The Live Oak Police Department reached out to request assistance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) investigations and FDLE Mobile Crime Scene investigators.
Following a month-long investigation three arrests have been made in connection with this homicide. As the investigation is still ongoing, some details cannot be released. However, the following information is provided to the public at this time.
The investigation revealed that Dimmons was in contact with Tara Williams, of Live Oak, on social media. It was determined that the two met through social media and the relationship was newly started. Through social media messaging, Williams gave Simmons instructions and directions for where the two of them could meet in person within the City of Live Oak. Simmons traveled to that location and Williams entered his vehicle. Williams later directed Simmons to the location at 424 Johnson Ave.
It was determined that Williams directed Simmons to this location with the intent to commit a robbery. The robbery was conspired between Williams and two other individuals. Zed Washington, of Jasper, and Zac’Tavious Webb, of Live Oak, approached the driver’s side front door of Simmons’s car and attempted to rob him at gunpoint. According to statements and evidence, Simmons resisted the robbery and was shot in the process. Simmons was able to put his vehicle in drive and speed away from the original location. Simmons’s vehicle went approximately 75 yards before crashing into a pile of cut firewood.
Williams (18 years of age), Washington (20 years of age) and Webb (a 17 year old juvenile) have all been located and arrested. Charges of tampering with evidence, conspiracy to commit robbery, and felony murder are being pursued.
The Live Oak Police Department would like to extend its deepest appreciation to the following agencies for their cooperation: the Florida Department Law Enforcement investigations, Crime Lab and Mobile Crime Scene Investigators, as well as the Hamilton County, Columbia County and Suwannee County Sheriff’s Offices. It is due to the deep standing commitment and cooperation between our departments that we can continue to provide such successful results for the citizens of this community.