Maurice Taggart, 43, a former local official in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, died from gunshot wounds after a domestic altercation at his home in the early morning hours of August 30, 2023. The fight involved Taggart and his 26-year-old son, Justice Taggart; both sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to Jefferson Regional Medical Center, where Maurice was pronounced dead. An autopsy found Maurice had been shot in the back and the upper right arm and that his blood alcohol level was .172.

Witness accounts and family statements produced conflicting narratives. Maurice’s wife, Shawndra Taggart, told police the two men had been fighting over a pistol and that Maurice had shot his son. Other eyewitnesses said they heard arguing or saw multiple men fighting in the yard. The official investigation concluded Justice acted in self-defense; prosecutors announced no charges would be filed after determining Maurice shot his son in the chest first, and that the wound locations did not preclude a self-defense claim.

Some relatives and community members remain unconvinced and have called for further review. Did anyone in Pine Bluff see or hear what happened that morning who hasn’t yet spoken to investigators?