WGNO

Teen runaway, 2 others charged with murder after suspected robbery goes wrong in Ponchatoula

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

PONCHATOULA, La. (WGNO) — An investigation is underway in Tangipahoa Parish after deputies say a robbery gone wrong led to one man’s death and three people arrested over the weekend.


Around 3 a.m. Sunday, deputies responded to a distress call about a man who had been shot at a home outside of city limits. When they arrived, detectives found the man, revealed to have been 21-year-old Joshua Taylor, with multiple gunshot wounds to his body.

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The TPSO reports that Taylor was rushed to the North Oaks Medical Center where he later died.

In the meantime, deputies uncovered more information about the shooting, including details about the events leading up to Taylor’s death. An early investigation revealed a suspected robbery had gone wrong, leading to three people, including a 15-year-old girl, being taken into custody a short time later.

The teen, who was identified as a runaway from New Orleans, was charged with second-degree murder and aggravated battery by poisoning. Two others, Devante Collins and Breona Johnson, were also arrested and charged in connection to Taylor’s death.

Arrests and Charges

Devante Collins (24 years old)

Breona Collins (18 years old)

15-year-old Female