In the quiet neighborhood of northeast Shelby County on a Thursday evening just before Christmas, a tragic event unfolded that would forever alter a family. On December 22, 2022, Johnnie Taylor II, a 45-year-old man from Memphis, was fatally shot. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office received a call about the shooting at approximately 6:45 p.m. and dispatched deputies to the 3900 block of Piermont Street. Upon their arrival, they discovered Mr. Taylor's body.
The scene that confronted the deputies was not one of mystery, as the alleged perpetrator was immediately identified. Najja Simmons, the 23-year-old stepson of Johnnie Taylor, was present and, according to law enforcement, confessed to the shooting as soon as they arrived. A firearm was located in the front yard of the residence. Witnesses to the incident informed investigators that the shooting appeared to be unprovoked and happened without any warning.
In the course of the investigation, Simmons reportedly provided a motive for his actions to the detectives. He claimed that he shot his stepfather because he believed Taylor was abusing his mother. Following his on-scene confession and the witness accounts, Najja Simmons was taken into custody and subsequently charged with first-degree murder.
