Tyler Taylor

Tyler Taylor, a self-taught tattoo artist and caring family man, was just beginning to find his way in the world. Known as an "amazing kid" by his mother, the 20-year-old Black man was remembered for his loving heart and respect for others. Tyler dedicated much of his time to caring for his younger brother and his elderly grandmother, both of whom had health challenges. He had formerly attended Denby High School and was studying for his GED. Just nine days before his life was cut short, his family had gathered to celebrate his 20th birthday.

On the rainy morning of Thursday, October 17, 2013, Tyler was on his way to work in Detroit, Michigan. Around 10 a.m., he was found on the sidewalk in the 12000 block of Duchess Street, near Kelly Road and Morang Drive on the city's east side. He had been shot once in the head. His mother, Yolanda Taylor Washington, later stated her belief that her son was shot while inside a car and then left on the pavement. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

The Detroit Police Department began an investigation, but information was scarce from the start. No suspects or motives were immediately identified, and few witnesses came forward with information. The case quickly grew cold, leaving Tyler’s family with profound grief and a desperate need for answers. His mother described an "instant depression" that comes over her whenever it rains, a constant reminder of the day she lost her son. "Until you have a son or any child laying in a cemetery 6 feet under, you will never know my pain," she said in an interview nearly two years after his death.

In the years since the homicide, Tyler's family has refused to let his memory fade or for his case to be forgotten. Determined to be his voice, Ms. Washington, along with her daughter and other relatives, has persistently worked to generate leads. They have walked the neighborhood where Tyler was killed, putting up flyers and pleading for anyone with information to break the silence. Ms. Washington has spoken out passionately against the "no-snitching" culture that she believes protects killers. Tragically, she revealed that both her aunt and brother were also murdered in separate, unsolved cases, deepening her resolve to seek justice for Tyler.

"I can't tell you what my son wasn't doing when I wasn't around -- kids going to be kids -- but I do know this: Tyler would never carry a gun, Tyler respected adults, Tyler loved people," his mother shared, painting a picture of a young man who did not deserve his violent end. She has remained a vocal advocate, determined not to let her son's case rest.

As of July 2015, Detroit police had no new leads in the investigation. The case of Tyler Taylor's murder remains unsolved, another life lost to gun violence in the city. His killer has never been brought to justice. Crime Stoppers of Michigan has offered a cash reward of up to $2,500 for any information that leads to an arrest. The family continues to hope that someone will come forward and provide the answers they have been seeking for years. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.