The Tragic Life And Legacy Of Joshua "Josh" Johnson: 5 Key Facts About Toya Johnson's Brother

The tragic story of Joshua "Josh" Johnson, the older brother of reality television star Toya Johnson-Rushing (formerly Toya Wright), remains a deeply painful chapter in the family's life. As of December 2025, the narrative has shifted from an open-ended tragedy to one of final justice, following the conviction and sentencing of the man responsible for his death. This article provides the most current, in-depth look at Josh Johnson's life, his connection to the celebrity family, and the ultimate resolution of the double-homicide case that shocked fans and the entertainment world.

The loss of Josh, alongside his younger brother Ryan "Rudy" Johnson, in a senseless act of gun violence in 2016, profoundly impacted Toya and her daughter, Reginae Carter. While the grief is permanent, the family found a measure of closure after years of legal battles. We delve into the essential facts about Josh, the details of the crime, and the lasting legacy he left behind.

Joshua "Josh" Johnson: A Complete Biography and Profile

Joshua "Josh" Johnson was more than just a famous sibling; he was a devoted father and a beloved member of the Johnson family who appeared on reality television alongside his sister.

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• Full Name: Joshua Johnson
• Nickname: Josh
• Date of Birth: October 21, 1984
• Place of Birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
• Parents: Walter Andrews and Anita Johnson
• Siblings: Antonia "Toya" Johnson-Rushing, Ryan "Rudy" Johnson (deceased), Walter Johnson, Casey Johnson (Toya has five siblings in total)
• Children: Zermiah, Xavier, Joshae, and Jolani
• Known For: Appearing on his sister Toya Johnson's reality shows, including Toya: A Family Affair and later being a subject of coverage on T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle.
• Date of Death: July 31, 2016
• Age at Death: 31
• Cause of Death: Shot and killed (double homicide)

1. The Tragic New Orleans Double Homicide

The world was stunned on July 31, 2016, when news broke that Toya Johnson's two brothers, Joshua (Josh) and Ryan (Rudy) Johnson, had been fatally shot in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The two brothers were found inside a vehicle on the 7th Ward block of North Rocheblave Street shortly after midnight. They were pronounced dead at the scene. The sudden and violent nature of their deaths sent shockwaves through the family, who had already dealt with public scrutiny due to their reality television appearances. The incident became a central, heartbreaking storyline for Toya Johnson on subsequent seasons of her reality TV career.

The tragedy highlighted the devastating impact of gun violence, especially in their hometown of New Orleans. Toya Johnson, who was previously married to rapper Lil Wayne and is the mother of Reginae Carter, publicly grieved the loss of her siblings, often sharing emotional tributes on social media and on television.

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2. The Long Road to Justice: Conviction and Life Sentence

For years, the Johnson family sought justice for the murders of Josh and Rudy, an emotional journey that was documented on their reality show, T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle.

The primary suspect in the case, Antoine "Tweezy" Edwards, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

The legal process was lengthy and emotionally taxing for Toya and the entire family. The final resolution came when Antoine Edwards was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder.

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In a final act of closure for the family, Edwards was handed a mandatory life sentence in prison on Monday, September 30, following the conviction. This mandatory life sentence, delivered by Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Tracey Flemings-Davillier, ensured that the man responsible for the deaths of Joshua and Ryan Johnson would remain incarcerated.

3. Josh Johnson's Legacy as a Loving Father

One of the most poignant details about Joshua Johnson's life, often overshadowed by the tragic circumstances of his death, is his role as a father.

According to his obituary, Josh was a loving father to four children: Zermiah, Xavier, Joshae, and Jolani. This detail emphasizes the profound loss suffered not only by Toya and her parents, Anita Johnson and Walter Andrews, but also by Josh's young children, who now grow up without their father.

Toya Johnson has consistently worked to keep the memory of both Josh and Rudy alive, often speaking about them and ensuring her family, including her daughters Reginae Carter and Reign Rushing, understand the lasting impact of their uncles.

4. The Brothers’ Public Persona on Reality TV

Both Josh and Rudy Johnson were recognizable figures to fans of reality television due to their appearances on their sister’s shows.

They were featured on the 2011 BET series Toya: A Family Affair, which chronicled Toya’s life and her relationship with her immediate family members.

The brothers’ presence on the show allowed viewers to connect with them, making the news of their deaths particularly devastating to the public. The decision by Toya to film the emotional journey of the murder trial for the subsequent series, T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle, was a controversial but ultimately transparent move to share their pursuit of justice with the world.

5. Toya Johnson's Continued Advocacy and Healing

In the years following the 2016 tragedy, Toya Johnson has been open about her struggles with grief and the healing process.

She has used her platform to speak out about gun violence and the emotional toll it takes on families. Her fiancé, Robert "Red" Rushing, provided immense support to her during the heartbreak of the trial and subsequent sentencing. Toya’s journey of healing, motherhood, and career has continued, but the memory of Josh and Rudy remains a foundational part of her life story.

The conviction of Antoine Edwards provided a necessary sense of finality, allowing the family to focus on preserving the memories of Joshua and Ryan Johnson and moving forward with their lives while honoring their lost brothers. The family's enduring strength became an inspiration to many who followed their story through the media.