On Mother’s Day evening, May 14, 2023, 21-year-old Trent L. Taylor Jr., known as TJ, was working extra shifts as a veterinary assistant at Shively Animal Clinic in Louisville, Kentucky when a dispute over a client’s bill escalated. Surveillance footage and witness statements show the verbal argument inside the clinic turned physical after Taylor reportedly removed his gloves and struck a female client in the head. The confrontation moved outside, where Taylor hit her again, shoved her with a traffic cone and then engaged in a fight with her spouse. The woman produced a handgun and fired; Taylor was taken to University of Louisville Hospital and died of his wounds.

Shively Police interviewed more than 20 witnesses and referred the case to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. A Jefferson County grand jury reviewed the matter, considering reckless homicide and second-degree manslaughter, but declined to indict. Prosecutors concluded video and statements indicated Taylor was the initial aggressor and that the shooter acted in self-defense. The shooter and her wife said Taylor had choked and repeatedly punched the wife, slamming her head against a wall. Taylor’s family dispute that account and plan to pursue a civil lawsuit.

Are there witnesses who were at the clinic that night or additional footage that hasn’t been discussed publicly?