A Family's Anticipation Turns to Grief

On December 24, 1991, the Simpson family eagerly prepared for a joyous Christmas celebration. Joel Simpson, affectionately known as "Buddy," was set to join his mother and three children for the festivities. Running late, he called his mother to inform her that he needed to pick up his children before heading over. Tragically, Joel never arrived, and the family's anticipation turned into unimaginable sorrow.

The Fatal Encounter

Around 11:30 p.m., Joel was in the alley behind 4013 8th Street SE, the residence where his children lived with their mother. According to reports, the children's uncle had asked Joel to step outside. Moments later, gunshots echoed through the night. Joel's 10-year-old daughter, alarmed by the noise, rushed outside with her mother, only to find her father lying in a pool of blood. Despite the immediate response, Joel succumbed to his injuries at the scene. ...Read More