Officer Nathaniel Taylor Jr., 39, was killed on September 28, 2008, while conducting surveillance outside 7920 South Clyde Avenue in Chicago. He and his partner, Officer Lemornet Miller, were preparing to execute a search warrant with the Bureau of Investigative Services – Organized Crime Division when homeowner Lamar Cooper unexpectedly returned. As Officer Taylor approached Cooper’s vehicle and identified himself, Cooper drew a firearm and shot Taylor in the head and chest. Officer Miller returned fire and wounded Cooper, but Taylor was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center and pronounced dead later that day.

Taylor was a Chicago Police Department officer with 14 years of service and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Lamar Cooper was arrested and charged in connection with the shooting; at trial the prosecution presented Cooper as a significant drug dealer whose fortified home contained weapons and narcotics. The shooting and Taylor’s death had a deep impact on his colleagues and the community.

If anyone knew Officer Taylor, witnessed the surveillance operation, or has information about the events that night, please share what is known.