An 18-year-old freshman at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, died a day after being hit by a stray bullet.
Jillian Ludwig, originally from Brielle, New Jersey, was shot in the head on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, while walking in a local park near the university campus.
The Nashville Police Department identified the suspect as Shaquille Taylor, 29, who was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and evidence tampering. He’s being held on a $280,000 bond.
According to police reports, Taylor was firing shots at a car from a public housing building across the street from the park where Ludwig was struck. Surveillance video and witness statements played a crucial role in Taylor’s identification and arrest.
The shooting incident has brought to light Taylor’s previous criminal history and mental health issues. In 2021, Taylor faced charges for allegedly shooting at a woman and her two children. However, those charges were dismissed after a medical evaluation found him mentally incompetent to stand trial. Doctors determined that Taylor functioned at a kindergarten level, raising questions about state laws on involuntary commitment for people with mental illnesses.
Ludwig, passionate about singing and music, was dedicated to volunteering and fundraising for various causes. Her community in Brielle, New Jersey, is mourning her loss. Counselors were made available to Ludwig’s friends and community members in response to the tragedy. The Church in Brielle hosted vigils, offering support to those affected by Ludwig’s death.
The District Attorney’s Office has indicated that the charges against Taylor will be upgraded following Ludwig’s passing.
