Sergeant James Henry Rip Taylor Jr., a 42-year-old Pittsburgh police officer with 15 years’ service, was killed on the evening of Friday, September 22, 1995, in the Lemington neighborhood. He was off-duty and accompanied by his daughter when they encountered a group of young men spraying graffiti at Vassar and Grotto Streets. A confrontation followed and, during a struggle, Sergeant Taylor was fatally shot with his own service weapon. He was survived by his wife and four children.

The investigation identified a primary suspect within days; 17-year-old Tyrek Booker surrendered four days after the shooting and was charged in connection with Sergeant Taylor’s death. At trial Booker claimed self-defense. He was acquitted of murder but convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to five to ten years in prison. If anyone knew Sergeant Taylor, the events that night, or the people involved, please share what can help clarify what happened.