Man told police he was ‘extremeIy in fear of his Iife’ and his parent was bipoIar toward him after Ieading officers to the older man’s body following several gunshot wounds to the head, kiIIing him; charged

Indiana – An Indiana man, 28-year-old W. TayIor, has been charged with the murder of his famiIy member, 50-year-old J. TayIor, following a tragic incident at the victim’s home in Indiana. The events unfolded last week when the victim’s brother received a concerning phone call from the defendant. The 28-year-old man reportedly asked ‘should he do it or should he go to bed.’ This message prompted his uncIe to attempt contacting the victim, but he was unable to reach him. Shortly after, the defendant called again, requesting a ride, and his uncIe noticed smoke aIarms sounding in the background. The defendant claimed he was cooking something and refused to let his parent speak on the phone.

Concerned for the victim’s well-being, his brother called 911 at approximately 12:05 a.m. to request a welfare check. Deputies arrived at the victim residence within 15 minutes. The defendant met them outside and reiterated his earlier explanation about the smoke alarms. He allowed officers into the home, where they discovered the victim’s lifeless body in a first-floor bedroom. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and neck. Spent bullet casings were found in plain view, and a firearm matching the caliber of the casings was located upstairs, along with the defendant’s driver’s license and a hat identified as his.

The 28-year-old shooter was arrested and taken into custody. During an interview at the county jail, he stated that he had moved back to Indiana from Utah two weeks prior. He described his father as “bipoIar toward him” “very suicidal,” and “belligerent.” The defendant also claimed he was extremely in fear of his life” and that the victim had been “throwing up gang signs” a few nights before the incident.

The Sheriff’s Department, assisted by the local police department, Indiana State Police, and the Coroner’s Office, conducted a thorough investigation. An autopsy confirmed that the victim died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and neck. Investigators found no evidence of a burnt food, casting doubt on the defendant’s initial explanation for the smoke alarms. The firearm discovered at the scene had an empty magazine with a capacity matching the number of spent casings found.

The defendant is currently being held without bond at the county detention center. A pretrial conference is scheduled for October 7, with the murder trial expected to commence in February 2026. The community remains in shock as authorities continue to seek justice for the 50-year-old man.