Ray Clifton Taylor Jr., a 24-year-old Black man, was fatally shot in Memphis, Tennessee on the evening of Thursday, July 8, 2021. The incident occurred in the Raleigh neighborhood, where Taylor was found unresponsive outside a residence on Yellowood Cove. He was pronounced dead at the scene. At the time of the shooting, Taylor, a former football player for Mississippi Valley State and a father to a three-year-old child, was reportedly taking out the trash.
Following the shooting, the Memphis Police Department began an investigation. Initially, they reported that no arrests had been made but were looking for suspects. The investigation led to the arrest of 21-year-old Metavious Bishop, who was subsequently charged with second-degree murder in connection with Taylor's death.
According to a witness account, two gunshots were heard, and Bishop was allegedly seen standing near Taylor with a gun in his hand shortly after the shooting. This witness testimony, along with other evidence gathered at the scene, led to Bishop being identified as the suspect. The case drew significant attention from the community, prompting discussions about gun violence in the area. Family and friends held a visitation and funeral service to honor Ray Clifton Taylor Jr.'s memory.
