Jonathan Triplett, a 26-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on April 25, 2014, in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. Known for his 'happy-go-lucky' attitude which earned him the nickname 'Lucky,' Triplett was a devoted member of the Memphis Gentlemen Motorcycle Club. His life of service included time as a Military Police officer in the Tennessee National Guard and later as an employee at the Shelby County Division of Correction.
On that fateful night, a dispute at the motorcycle club on Chelsea Avenue would have fatal consequences. A man who was not a member of the club, Robert Taylor, was reportedly ejected from the premises earlier in the evening. In a senseless act of violence, Taylor later returned with a handgun and opened fire. The shooting resulted in the death of Jonathan Triplett and another club member, Eric Whitaker. Three other individuals were also injured in the incident.
The investigation into the double homicide led to the identification and arrest of Robert Taylor. He was subsequently charged and faced trial for the murders. Taylor was ultimately convicted on two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Triplett and Whitaker. For his crimes, he received a lengthy sentence of 58 years in prison. The violent and untimely death of Jonathan Triplett left a lasting void in the lives of his family, friends, and the close-knit motorcycle community that remembered him for his vibrant personality.
