Nine Suspects Arrested After Fatal Shooting in Las Vegas Linked to Rap Feud
Nine individuals have been taken into custody in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in Las Vegas in 2025, with the most recent arrest made this week. The incident, which turned a casual dice game into a scene of violence, resulted in the death of an innocent man who was not the intended target, according to police reports.
Deadly Night on Coja Street
On July 9, 2025, Michael Simmons Jr., a 22-year-old barber and father to a two-year-old daughter, was fatally shot in the head while attending a dice game at a residence on Coja Street. Described by acquaintances as a beloved community member, Simmons was an unintended victim in what authorities allege was a targeted attack fueled by an ongoing rap feud between rival gangs.
Investigators state that the shooters were aiming for Ishad “Shady Rose” Livingston, an alleged member of a rival gang believed to be residing at the home. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported that over 40 rounds were fired into the garage where Simmons, Livingston, and others were gathered. Officers arrived just before 12:40 a.m., finding Simmons deceased at the scene.
Gang Rivalry and Retaliation
The violence is tied to a feud between the “Five” street gang and a rival group known as “YNIC.” This conflict escalated following the death of Five member Gerald “Poo Pistols” Harvey in July 2024. Police note that Harvey had been engaged in a well-known rap feud with Livingston, culminating in a previous shooting incident between the two in North Las Vegas in January 2024. Authorities believe the Coja Street shooting was a retaliation attempt for Harvey’s death, tragically claiming Simmons’ life instead.
Arrests and Charges
The most recent arrest occurred this week, with Jamar Holman, 33, taken into custody on Wednesday. Holman, suspected of affiliation with the Five gang, was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on charges including open murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and two counts of discharging a gun into an occupied structure with intent to promote a criminal gang. Metro spokesperson Robert Wicks indicated that Holman is believed to be the final outstanding suspect in the investigation, and he was denied bail on Thursday.
Other suspects arrested in recent months include Rashid “Uchies” Soukesian, Eduardo “T-Raw” Baez, Artavious “Da Dogg” Woods, Calvin “Spark G” Hicks, Rickey “Ratchet/Lit Rickey” Allen, and Johntyrae “John Stockton/Tiny Sol” Mitchell. They face similar charges, such as murder, conspiracy to commit murder, shooting into an occupied structure, and racketeering. All defendants have pleaded not guilty, according to court records, and are scheduled for a status check in court on Tuesday.
This case highlights the devastating consequences of gang violence and rap feuds spilling into public spaces, underscoring the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing such conflicts in urban areas like Las Vegas.
