Man Pleads Guilty, Gets 38 Years After Stray Bullet Killed 18-Year-Old Belmont Student

Shaquille Taylor pleaded guilty on May 4 to second-degree murder in the November 2023 shooting that killed 18-year-old Belmont University student Jillian Ludwig in Nashville. Taylor was sentenced to 38 years in prison; the sentence also incorporated a guilty plea to aggravated assault in a separate case.

On Nov. 7, 2023, Ludwig was running on a track at Edgehill Community Memorial Gardens Park when gunfire erupted across the street at a public housing complex. Police say Taylor fired at a vehicle and that one of the rounds struck Ludwig in the head; she later died from her injuries.

Ludwig, a New Jersey native studying music business at Belmont University, was remembered by classmates and university officials as a bass player who loved concerts, connecting with other musicians and being outdoors.

Jillian LudwigCredit: Jillian Ludwig/Instagram

"A music business major and bass player, she is often found at concerts, cheering on fellow musicians and using music as a way to connect with those around her," Belmont University President Greg Jones said in a statement. "Jillian is also an avid runner who enjoys being outside."

Family members delivered emotional victim impact statements in court. "My daughter lost her whole life, her whole bright, beautiful and promising future at only age 18," Jillian’s mother, Jessica Ludwig, said. Her father, Matt Ludwig, acknowledged the shooting may not have been intentional but said Taylor must be punished: "I know he did not intend to shoot Jillian, but he did... For us today, 38 years will have to do."

The case also included a prolonged legal focus on Taylor's mental competency. Multiple hearings were held to determine whether he was competent to stand trial; a judge ultimately found him competent in the case tied to Ludwig’s death. Taylor had previously been found incompetent to stand trial in a separate alleged shooting and was released in that matter.

In response to Ludwig's death, Tennessee lawmakers passed "Jillian's Law," legislation that requires involuntary commitment for people found incompetent to stand trial when charged with felonies or serious violent crimes. Supporters say the law aims to prevent dangerous individuals from being released without treatment or supervision.

The plea, sentencing and subsequent law change have underscored community concerns about stray gunfire, defendant competency in violent-crime cases, and the steps lawmakers and courts are taking to reduce similar tragedies.