7 Shocking Facts About Toya Johnson's Brother, Joshua 'Josh' Johnson, And The Tragic Murder That Rocked Her Family

The devastating story of Joshua "Josh" Johnson, the older brother of reality star Toya Johnson (formerly Toya Wright), continues to resonate with fans of the star and those who follow true crime cases. It has been several years since the tragic double-murder that claimed the lives of Josh and his younger brother, Ryan "Rudy" Johnson, yet the details of the crime, the ensuing investigation, and the ultimate pursuit of justice remain a focal point for the Johnson family and the public. This article, updated for December 2025, delves into the known facts of Josh Johnson's life and the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding his untimely death, providing the most current and comprehensive overview of this profound family tragedy. The loss of both brothers, shot and killed in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been a central and enduring struggle for Toya Johnson, who has publicly shared her journey of grief and healing on various platforms, including her reality television appearances. The subsequent legal battle to bring the perpetrator to justice was a years-long ordeal that finally offered the family a measure of closure.

Joshua "Josh" Johnson: A Life Cut Short (Biography & Profile)

While much of the public's knowledge of Joshua Johnson is centered on the tragic events of his death, he was a beloved son, brother, and father before his life was brutally taken. His personal life, though largely private, was deeply connected to his famous sister and the New Orleans community.

• Full Name: Joshua Johnson
• Nickname: Josh
• Date of Birth: 1984 (Exact date not widely publicized)
• Date of Death: July 31, 2016
• Age at Death: 31 years old
• Place of Death: New Orleans, Louisiana
• Cause of Death: Gunshot wounds (Homicide)
• Parents: Walter Andrews and Anita Johnson
• Siblings: Toya Johnson (Sister), Ryan "Rudy" Johnson (Brother, deceased), Casey Johnson (Brother), Walter Johnson (Brother)
• Child: Jashae Johnson (Daughter)
• Known For: Being the brother of reality TV personality Toya Johnson and the father of Jashae.

The Devastating Day: Details of the 2016 Double Murder

The tragedy that took Joshua and his younger brother, Ryan "Rudy" Johnson, occurred in the early hours of Sunday, July 31, 2016. The sudden, violent nature of the crime sent shockwaves through the Johnson family and the entertainment world, which knew Toya Johnson from her shows like Tiny and Toya and her marriage to rapper Lil Wayne.

A Sudden Attack in the 7th Ward: The brothers were found unresponsive inside a vehicle in the 7th Ward of New Orleans. Both men had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene. Joshua was 31, and Rudy was 24. The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) launched a homicide investigation immediately, though initial details were sparse, leading to a frustrating period of uncertainty for the family.

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The Motive and Circumstances: As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that the shooting stemmed from an argument. The two brothers were reportedly involved in a dispute with a man named Antoine Edwards, which tragically escalated to the point of violence. The senselessness of the act, resulting in the murder of two young men, became a rallying cry for the family’s pursuit of justice.

The Long Road to Justice: Conviction and Life Sentence

For years, the Johnson family endured the agonizing wait for the legal system to deliver a verdict. This period of mourning and uncertainty was a major theme in Toya Johnson’s public life, as she struggled to cope with the profound loss of her two brothers. The case finally found its resolution years after the incident, offering the family a critical moment of closure.

The Killer Identified and Convicted: The New Orleans man responsible for the double-homicide was identified as Antoine “Tweazy” Edwards. The trial was a highly emotional period, culminating in a New Orleans jury finding Edwards guilty of two counts of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in the second-degree murder investigation. The jury's deliberation was notably swift, taking only about two hours following a three-day trial.

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Life Imprisonment for the Double Murder: In 2019, Antoine Edwards was sentenced to life imprisonment for the fatal shootings of Joshua and Ryan Johnson. The life sentence, a mandatory punishment for second-degree murder in Louisiana, brought an end to the criminal aspect of the tragedy. Toya Johnson and her family expressed relief that justice had finally been served, acknowledging the conviction as a necessary step in their healing process.

The Lasting Impact on Toya Johnson and Her Family

The loss of Joshua Johnson had a deep and permanent impact on his immediate family, especially his sister, Toya, and his daughter, Jashae. The family’s journey through grief, advocacy, and rebuilding has been a testament to their resilience.

Caring for Jashae Johnson: One of the most poignant outcomes of the tragedy was Toya Johnson’s decision to step in and help raise her niece, Joshua’s daughter, Jashae Johnson. This act of love and commitment ensured that Josh’s legacy lived on through his child and provided Jashae with stability during an unimaginable time of loss. Toya has often spoken about the importance of family and keeping the memory of her brothers alive for Jashae and the rest of the family.

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Public Advocacy and Healing: Toya Johnson has used her platform to speak out about gun violence and the emotional toll of losing loved ones to senseless acts. She has shared her therapy journey, her struggles with anxiety, and the ways she honors her brothers' memories, including her younger brother, Casey Johnson, also speaking out about the events. The support from her fiancé at the time, Robert Rushing (now her husband), and her ex-husband, Lil Wayne, who rushed to her side, highlighted the close-knit nature of her extended family during this heartbreaking period.

A Legacy Remembered: Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, Joshua "Josh" Johnson is remembered by his family not for how he died, but for the life he lived. His memory, alongside that of Ryan "Rudy" Johnson, remains a powerful force that drives Toya Johnson's commitment to her family and her advocacy against violence. The conclusion of the murder case provides a final, definitive answer to the question of justice, allowing the Johnson family to focus entirely on healing and remembrance.