In the early morning hours of New Year's Eve 2015, a hunting trip in the vast expanse of the Delta National Forest near Rolling Fork, Mississippi, took a devastating turn. Sixteen-year-old Cayle Mitchell Taylor, a resident of Franklinton, Louisiana, was with his father, Randall Taylor, on a deer hunting excursion. At approximately 7:00 a.m., in a tragic turn of events, Cayle was accidentally shot in the chest by his father.
The incident prompted an investigation by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The Issaquena County coroner indicated that the death would likely be ruled an accident. There were no arrests made in connection with the fatal shooting. The authorities' involvement centered on investigating the circumstances of what was consistently reported as a heartbreaking accident rather than a criminal act.
Cayle was a freshman at Franklinton High School, where he was a member of the Demon Baseball Team. He was remembered by his principal as a great and awesome young man who was well-liked by his fellow students. His baseball coach described him as a great kid who worked hard and stayed out of trouble. Shortly before his death, Cayle had professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was a member of the Pine First Baptist Church. His funeral was held the following week, with his baseball teammates and coaches serving as pallbearers.
