Samuel Josiah Taylor was fatally shot on Friday, November 29, 2024, in Jackson, Mississippi. He was 17, born December 29, 2006, and was found shot to death on Fairfax Avenue. Some reports have mistakenly memorialized him as 18, but his obituary lists his age as 17.

Local authorities opened an investigation after the shooting. On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, a teenager was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting and an 18-year-old was publicly named as wanted for questioning; the identities of both have not been released. Also on November 29, first responders in South Jackson discovered a body inside a burned vehicle after extinguishing a car fire, but officials have not said whether that death is linked to Samuel’s killing.

Anyone who knew Samuel, saw activity on Fairfax Avenue that day, or has information about the arrests or the burned vehicle is asked to come forward.