LOS ANGELES, CA – A man previously charged with a murder in Malibu is now facing an additional murder charge for a separate killing in Inglewood. Joshua Lee Simmons, 37, is set to be arraigned on the new murder count next week in downtown Los Angeles.
The amended criminal complaint alleges that Simmons was involved in the shooting death of Anthony Soloc, 50, in Inglewood in January 2023. The complaint also includes special-circumstance allegations of multiple murders and claims that Simmons used an assault weapon and a semi-automatic pistol.
In addition to the new murder charge, Simmons was previously charged with the murder of Javonnta Marshann Murphy, whose body was found inside a 55-gallon drum on a Malibu beach. The lifeguard discovered the barrel the next morning and found Murphy’s body inside. The county medical examiner’s office determined that Murphy died of a gunshot wound to the head.
Simmons is also facing charges of criminal threats and attempted robbery, along with prior convictions for grand theft and burglary. He has been in custody since his arrest in October.
Another defendant, Dennis Eugene Vance, has been charged with being an accessory after the fact and is currently out on bond.
Simmons and Vance’s arraignment is scheduled for next week in downtown Los Angeles. The case continues to unfold as more details emerge about the crimes they are accused of committing.