On a cold Detroit morning in December of 2016, the life of Anthony Taylor Jr., a 44-year-old man, was tragically cut short. Just after midnight, on December 2nd, Taylor was returning to his father's home on Huntington Road. He had been out for a late dinner with his girlfriend and was on the phone with her as he arrived home. In the midst of their conversation, she heard him exclaim, 'oh no,' followed by the sound of gunshots.
Inside the house, his father also heard the multiple shots and, upon looking outside, discovered his son lying in the bushes near the front door. Despite his father's attempts to render aid, Anthony Taylor Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene.
A father of five, Taylor was remembered by his family as a good man who was dedicated to his children. He was also described as a preacher-in-training who had turned his life around and was working as a counselor, helping others overcome their struggles. His loved ones were left heartbroken and searching for answers in the wake of his sudden and violent death. The shooting was not believed to be a random act, with some family members suggesting that he may have been targeted by someone he knew.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Detroit Police homicide detectives began their investigation. They recovered a van nearby that they believed may have been connected to the murder and were interviewing a person of interest. However, it was made clear that this individual was not considered a suspect in the case. An unidentified witness reported hearing five to eight gunshots and seeing a man, described as having a medium build and wearing all-black clothing, fleeing the scene. As of the most recent available information, no arrests have been made in connection with the death of Anthony Taylor Jr., and no suspects have been publicly identified. The investigation into his murder remains ongoing as his family continues to await justice.
