DeKalb County

Paralyzed victim, D.A. at odds over suspects' possible plea deal

By Nicole Carr, WSB-TV
By Nicole Carr, WSB-TV

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A Loganville family and the District Attorney are at odds over a possible plea deal in a 2015 shooting.

Channel 2’s Nicole Carr was with the family Monday as they returned to the shooting scene in DeKalb County.%

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It was the first time victim Laquan Taylor, 29, had returned to the grocery store along Moreland Avenue, after being gunned down in the parking lot. Taylor told Carr he feels like he’s being silenced by the justice system.

"I don't want anyone's family to have to suffer the hardships my family has suffered," the victim's aunt, Unetha Jones, told Carr.
 
With two days' notice, Taylor said he learned the men charged with shooting him 16 times, shattering his rib cage and confining him to a wheelchair, will face a DeKalb County judge in a plea hearing.
 
"They made so many errors that may cost the case and now these guys may possibly walk," Jones said. "He hit the ground and that still wasn't good enough for these guys."

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During the incident, Taylor said he gave carjackers his wallet and the keys to his Camaro, but they showed him no mercy.

“Somebody's (taken) my whole independence away. All for a car that I willingly gave them," Taylor said.

"Why are they making so many (concessions) for these criminals?" Jones asked.
 
The family says prosecutors informed them of errors in the case involving fingerprint evidence, missing witness statements and Miranda rights readings that made confessions void, leading to motions for evidence suppression, and a plea deal rather than a chance for Taylor to testify at trial.

The District Attorney is asking for 30 years, 12 to serve in prison. Taylor is asking for a much harsher sentence.

The judge, who Channel 2’s Richard Elliot says is sympathetic to the victim, told Taylor to meet with the DA and come to an agreement.

If they don’t, the judge will insist the state try to two suspects.

“My mom is about to be 50 years old and she has to help me take a shower. At this age, I'm supposed to be able to help my mom do things,” Taylor said.

Jones said this is not the message they want sent.

“Do what's right, and not allow a plea deal with these guys,” Jones said.

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