Markeith Taylor, a 34-year-old Black man, was killed in a hail of gunfire on December 21, 2022, in the 600 block of Wells Avenue in North Memphis. Four men arrived in an SUV and stopped near a vacant lot; one, identified as Daniel Bates, also known as the rapper Mac Critter, called out to Taylor. As Taylor walked over, all four men reportedly drew handguns and Gary Taylor opened fire, shooting Markeith multiple times and continuing after he had fallen. Markeith was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators identified three suspects: Gary Taylor, Daniel Bates, and Danterio Owens. Gary Taylor was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. A process error led to Gary Taylor being released on his own recognizance on December 31, 2022; the release was made without the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office’s involvement and was later called a mistake. A warrant was issued for his re-arrest, he appeared for court, was taken back into custody and his bond was revoked. The District Attorney’s office said it intends to prosecute the case vigorously. The family and community have expressed frustration and continue to seek justice.

Are there witnesses or neighbors who remember seeing the SUV or the men near the vacant lot that night?