In the quiet town of Bolton, Mississippi, the disappearance of 29-year-old Dewan Fortner in late February 2019 cast a shadow of concern over the community. Fortner, a male, was officially reported missing on February 25, 2019, sparking a search that would end in tragedy. Over a week later, on March 6, 2019, his body was discovered in a wooded area behind an abandoned building.
An investigation by the Jackson Police Department later confirmed that Fortner had died from a gunshot wound.
The investigation into Fortner's death pointed to an altercation at a residence in the Queens subdivision as the last known place he was seen alive. This lead proved crucial in the case. Following the discovery of his body, authorities arrested 44-year-old Cedric Taylor and charged him with murder. Taylor was also charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He was later granted a $125,000 bond.
As the investigation continued, a second individual, 18-year-old John McCray IV, was also implicated in the crime. McCray was charged with accessory after the fact to murder for his alleged involvement in the events surrounding Fortner's death.
While out on bond for the murder charge, Cedric Taylor faced federal charges for illegally possessing a firearm. In June 2020, he was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison on this charge. According to the victim's family, Taylor had admitted in court to hiding Fortner's body.
