WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & SportsCrime Stoppers: Juandale Trail murder

Crime Stoppers: Juandale Trail murder

CHATTANOOGA (WRCB) - Investigators say there's no doubt someone set up Antonio Taylor to be robbed, but he was murdered in the process. Police say they're confident people out there can help them solve the murder of 28-year-old Taylor.

"Mr. Taylor was loved by family and people in the community. He was a new father and had a small child, he was about to get married," says Detective Karl Fields.

Chattanooga Police Detective Karl Fields says Antonio Taylor was gunned down inside his home on Juandale Trail.  He was with his cousin, Virgle Hearn, Jr., who told investigators the two were watching a movie and smoking pot.

"The shooter was standing in the garage and shooting in the entry through the glass," Fields says.

Hearn was the only witness.  He told investigators one story the night of the murder that didn't match up according to police.  He later told another.  We asked if Hearn had been a helpful witness.

Fields says, "Absolutely not, the cousin is now in jail."

Hearn, along with Taylor's girlfriend Shunoa Jacks, were both charged with manufacturing marijuana.  Investigators say they found pot growing in the yard the night of Taylor's murder.

"The victim does have a short history of narcotics and that's why we believe it was a robbery," says Detective Fields.

Fields says despite Taylor's habits or criminal history, he deserves justice.  They say his family needs closure.

Fields adds, "I am 100 percent sure that somebody's talked to someone. Somebody's girlfriend is watching this and knows their boyfriend did it or vice versa."

Fields says you never know what little detail or piece of information could put the person responsible behind bars. 

If you know anything about the murder of Antonio Taylor, Call Crime Stoppers at  698-3333.

You could get a cash reward, and your call is confidential.