The Evansville community is grieving the loss of 17-year-old Josiah Madrid, who was tragically killed in a shooting early Wednesday morning on Marshall Avenue. Police say the call came in around 5:35 a.m. reporting a gunshot victim in the 1700 block, where witnesses described hearing 10–12 shots and seeing people running from the area. When officers arrived, they found three victims – one inside a car struck by gunfire and two outside. Josiah, just 17, could not be saved. A 15-year-old and an adult were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities identified Josiah later that afternoon, confirming the devastating news no family should ever have to hear. His life was taken suddenly, violently, and far too soon. As Sgt. Anthony Aussieker expressed, this tragedy is especially heartbreaking during a week meant for gratitude and family. “There’s a family that’s going to have an empty seat at their table,” he said — a painful reminder of how deeply Josiah will be missed.
Josiah was loved deeply by those who knew him. Friends remember him as warm, funny, and full of potential — a young man with a bright spirit and a kind heart. His smile lit up rooms, and his presence brought comfort and joy to everyone around him. He deserved so many more years, so many more memories, and so many more moments of life.
His family, now navigating unimaginable grief, will forever carry his love with them. Josiah’s memory lives on — in every story shared, every tear shed, and every heart he touched.
May he rest in eternal peace.
