The Tragic Timeline: Everything To Know About Toya Johnson’s Brothers That Died And The Quest For Justice

The tragic and sudden loss of her two younger brothers in 2016 remains the most profound heartbreak for reality television star and entrepreneur Toya Johnson (formerly Wright). The double homicide of Ryan "Rudy" Johnson and Joshua "Josh" Johnson sent shockwaves through the celebrity world and the city of New Orleans, forcing Toya and her family into a long and painful quest for justice that finally concluded with a life sentence for the perpetrator. As of December 2025, the family continues to honor the memory of Rudy and Josh, using their platform to discuss grief, the impact of gun violence, and the enduring bond of family.

This in-depth article explores the complete timeline of the devastating event, the emotional toll on Toya Johnson, the critical details of the murder case, and the final verdict that brought a measure of closure to the Johnson family.

Antonia "Toya" Johnson-Rushing: A Brief Biography and Family Profile

Antonia "Toya" Johnson-Rushing is an American reality television personality, author, and businesswoman, widely known for her appearances on various BET and VH1 reality shows and for being the ex-wife of rapper Lil Wayne. Her life, often documented for public consumption, has been marked by both professional success and deep personal tragedy.

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• Full Name: Antonia Johnson-Rushing (formerly Antonia Wright)
• Date of Birth: October 26, 1983
• Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
• Career: Reality TV Star, Author, Entrepreneur, and CEO of Weight No More
• Notable Reality Shows: Tiny and Toya, Toya: A Family Affair, T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle, and Toya & Reginae.
• Marriages: Married to rapper Lil Wayne (2004–2006); Married to music producer Mickey "Memphitz" Wright (2011–2016); Married to Robert "Red" Rushing (2022–Present).
• Children: Reginae Carter (with Lil Wayne) and Reign Rushing (with Robert Rushing).
• Siblings: Rudy Johnson (deceased), Josh Johnson (deceased), Walter Johnson, and Casey Johnson.

The Johnson family, though constantly in the public eye, faced its darkest hour in the summer of 2016 when Toya’s two brothers, Ryan and Joshua, were senselessly murdered in their hometown.

The Tragic Night: Details of the Rudy and Josh Johnson Murder

The devastating incident occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday, July 31, 2016, in the 7th Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Who Were Rudy and Josh Johnson?

Toya Johnson’s brothers were beloved members of the New Orleans community and close to their famous sister. Ryan “Rudy” Johnson was 24 years old, and Joshua “Josh” Johnson was 31 years old at the time of their deaths.

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• Ryan "Rudy" Johnson (Age 24): Known for his vibrant personality and close bond with Toya, Rudy was the younger of the two victims.
• Joshua "Josh" Johnson (Age 31): Often referred to as "Fish" by family, Josh was the older brother, and his loss compounded the family’s grief.

The Circumstances of the Crime

Police officers discovered Rudy and Josh inside a vehicle on the corner of Pauger and North Miro streets. Both men had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene. The initial investigation revealed that the brothers were shot while inside the car. The crime sent a chilling reminder of the persistent problem of gun violence in New Orleans and immediately drew national attention due to Toya Johnson's celebrity status. The family’s pain was palpable, with Toya confirming the news and asking for prayers on social media shortly after the tragedy.

The Quest for Justice: Trial, Conviction, and Life Sentence

The investigation into the double murder of the Johnson brothers was long and emotionally taxing for the family. Toya Johnson’s reality show, T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle, documented her family’s pursuit of justice, bringing the painful reality of a murder trial into the public eye.

The Arrest and Charges

The key suspect in the case was Antoine Edwards. Prosecutors alleged that Edwards was involved in the shooting, which reportedly occurred after the Johnson brothers visited him. The case centered on identifying the shooter and the circumstances that led to the senseless act of violence.

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The Verdict and Sentencing of Antoine Edwards

The trial concluded with a guilty verdict, a monumental moment for the grieving family. Antoine Edwards was convicted of the murders of Rudy and Josh Johnson. The conviction was followed by a definitive sentence that brought a crucial sense of closure for Toya and her family.

• Perpetrator: Antoine Edwards
• Conviction: Second-degree murder
• Sentence: Life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The sentencing in 2019 was a powerful, albeit bittersweet, victory. Toya expressed that while the verdict could not bring her brothers back, it was a necessary step toward healing and provided the justice they had fought so hard for.

Life After Loss: How Toya Johnson Honors Her Brothers Today

The murder of Rudy and Josh Johnson fundamentally changed Toya Johnson's life, influencing her work, her public advocacy, and her personal journey. Her efforts to cope with the "Life After Loss" are a recurring theme in her public life.

Advocacy and Emotional Healing

Toya has been vocal about the devastating effects of gun violence and the emotional trauma of losing loved ones to homicide. She frequently uses her social media platform and reality TV appearances to keep her brothers’ memory alive. On their birthdays and the anniversary of their deaths, she shares heartfelt tributes, often visiting their burial site with her daughters, Reginae Carter and Reign Rushing, to ensure they never forget their uncles.

The Family’s Shared Grief

The tragedy also brought the entire Johnson family closer in their shared grief. Toya’s brother, Walter Johnson, even released a memoir titled Lions and Legends: Murder, Music, Mayhem and A Family Secret That Changed Everything, which touches on the profound impact of the murders on the family dynamic. Toya has publicly supported her brother's efforts to share their family's story, acknowledging that processing such a loss is a continuous journey.

Topical Authority Entities and LSI Keywords:

The emotional fallout of the New Orleans tragedy has been a major part of Toya Johnson’s narrative for years, connecting her story to broader themes of urban violence, celebrity grief, and the criminal justice system. Key entities related to this story include:

• Ryan "Rudy" Johnson
• Joshua "Josh" Johnson
• Antoine Edwards
• New Orleans 7th Ward
• Second-Degree Murder
• Life Sentence
• Reginae Carter
• Lil Wayne (Ex-husband)
• Robert "Red" Rushing (Husband)
• T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle
• Gun Violence Awareness
• Family Trauma
• Grief and Healing
• Toya & Reginae
• Walter Johnson (Brother)

Toya Johnson’s resilience in the face of this unimaginable sorrow serves as an inspiration to her fans. While the pain of losing Rudy and Josh will forever be a part of her story, the successful conviction of their murderer in 2019 allowed the family to finally turn a page toward true, though difficult, healing and remembrance.