Reuben Taylor: The De Mau Mau Murders of 1972
Early Life and Background
Reuben Taylor was born on June 5, 1950, in Jackson, Mississippi. Raised in a family that valued education, his parents were alumni of Jackson State University. The family later moved to Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood. Despite academic success and participation in activities like the Boy Scouts and the school color guard, Taylor faced significant challenges, including violent encounters with local gangs. In 1969, seeking a change, Taylor enlisted in the Marines. However, his service in Vietnam exposed him to further racial discrimination, leading him to associate with a group of Black Marines known as "De Mau Mau."
The De Mau Mau Group
The De Mau Mau was a loosely organized group formed by Black Vietnam veterans in response to the racism they experienced both abroad and upon returning home. In Chicago, the group functioned as a fraternity, aiming to foster Black consciousness and provide mutual support.
The Barrington Hills Murders
On August 5, 1972, Reuben Taylor, his brother Donald Taylor, and two associates—Michael Clark and Nathaniel Burse—embarked on a criminal endeavor that culminated in a tragic loss of life. They targeted a residence in the affluent suburb of Barrington Hills, Illinois, with the intent to rob. The occupants were subjected to violence, resulting in four fatalities.
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