Jets’ Josh Reynolds Targeted in 2024 Shooting After Mistaken Identity in $250,000 Cocaine Scam Case

New York Jets wide receiver Josh Reynolds was the victim of a shooting in October 2024 during a violent case of mistaken identity. Investigators say Reynolds was targeted because assailants believed he was involved in scamming them out of $250,000 worth of cocaine. 

What Happened

• The incident occurred after Reynolds, who was playing for the Denver Broncos at the time, left a strip club. Four vehicles followed him and fired multiple rounds.  
• Reynolds was shot twice—once in the back of the head and once in the leg. Two of his friends were injured: one from gunfire and another from broken glass.  
• Prosecutors described the attack as a “calculated and carefully coordinated assassination attempt.”  

Legal Fallout

• Seven adults and one juvenile have been arrested in connection with the shooting; an eighth suspect remains at large.  
• One of the arrested, Burr Charlesworth, pleaded guilty to felony assault and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.  

Josh Reynolds’ Response

• Reynolds has publicly stated he has moved on from the incident. He said that dwelling on it only brings back trauma.  
• Since then, Reynolds signed with the Jets in spring 2025 on a one‑year deal worth up to $5 million.  

Why This Case Matters

• The shooting underscores dangers of mistaken identity, especially in cases involving illegal substances where misinformation can lead to violence.
• It also shines light on how high profile athletes can become targets due to knowledge gaps or false assumptions.
• The law enforcement response and arrests show a degree of accountability, though questions remain about how this information spread and who instigated the attack.

What’s Next

• Continued legal proceedings for those arrested will possibly reveal more details about who was responsible, how the mistake was made, and whether any reparations or public statements will come from Reynolds or his legal team.
• Monitoring whether Reynolds will use this experience in community or advocacy work related to gun violence or athlete safety.
• Keeping an eye on how the Jets, Reynolds himself, and the NFL address or respond to public concern over safety and mistaken identity incidents.