On the evening of February 6, 2019, tragedy struck the community of Graniteville, South Carolina, with the violent death of 19-year-old Johnathan V. Taylor. The young man was at his home on Williamson Drive when he became the victim of a drive-by shooting. Multiple gunshots were fired at the residence, striking not only the house but also vehicles parked outside.
Johnathan sustained a fatal gunshot wound to his head.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, he was rushed to Aiken Regional Medical Centers in a private vehicle before law enforcement could arrive at the scene. Despite the urgent medical attention, he was pronounced dead shortly before 11 p.m. that same night. The gunfire also injured his mother, Mary Wilson, who was inside the home at the time. She suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach and was transported to a local hospital for treatment by Aiken County EMS.
A 2017 graduate of Midland Valley High School, Johnathan was a member of Mt. Transfiguration Baptist Church. His death left his family, including his parents, numerous siblings, and a grandmother, devastated by the sudden and senseless loss.
In the wake of the shooting, the Aiken County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into the homicide. However, the case has remained unsolved. Authorities have not released any descriptions of potential suspects or the vehicle used in the drive-by shooting. To date, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Johnathan Taylor, and the investigation remains open as his family and community continue to await justice.
