On December 22, 2022, 45-year-old Johnnie Taylor II of Memphis was fatally shot at about 6:45 p.m. in the 3900 block of Piermont Street in northeast Shelby County. Deputies from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office found Taylor’s body after a call about the shooting and discovered a firearm in the front yard.

Investigators identified 23-year-old Najja Simmons, Taylor’s stepson, as the alleged shooter. Simmons was reportedly on scene and, according to law enforcement, confessed to the shooting when deputies arrived. Witnesses told investigators the shooting appeared unprovoked and happened without warning.

Simmons reportedly told detectives he shot his stepfather because he believed Taylor was abusing his mother. Simmons was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder.

If anyone witnessed the incident or has information about that evening on Piermont Street, please share what is known.