Ezra Nehemiah Taylor was 26 when he was killed in a mass shooting outside La Familia Sports Pub and Lounge in Des Moines on September 26, 2021. An aspiring actor and model, Taylor was one of three people shot after a dispute inside the bar moved into the parking lot. Witnesses reported 20 to 25 shots fired from at least two vehicles; Taylor was struck in the head and died at the scene. His mother, Selena Taylor, said he was an innocent bystander who had been trying to help and protect others.

Des Moines Police identified 44-year-old Joshua D. Puloka, also known as Joshua Everybodytalksabout, as the primary suspect and named 32-year-old Demarcus L. Simmons, also known as D Nice, as a person of interest for an earlier altercation. Puloka later turned himself in and charges were brought in connection with the shootings. The Taylor family has worked to honor Ezra’s memory through community efforts, including founding Ezra’s Hands Outreach to empower young people and address gun violence.

If anyone witnessed the shooting or knew Ezra and can add details about that night, please share what is known.