Brothers Jeffery and Dakota Taylor pled guilty to attempted murder, armed robbery and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime before Judge Paul Burch during last week’s term of general sessions court.
The incident occurred on July 30, 2011 when the brothers drove to Porky’s Truck Stop with the intent to rob the store clerk of money.
Jeffery Taylor ran towards the store holding a gun, and the clerk saw him coming and hit a button which locked the doors, but Jeffery Taylor was already inside.
Dakota Taylor, who was steps behind Jeffery Taylor, was locked out. While inside, Jeffery Taylor demanded money.
When he saw the clerk reaching for something, Jeffery Taylor fired the gun, hitting the clerk in the upper chest area. Jeffery Taylor then burst through the doors and left with his brother. The Taylors were arrested a few days later and confessed.
After the pleas for which the State offered no deals or recommendations, Jeffery Taylor was sentenced to 18.5 years, while Dakota Taylor was sentenced to 12.5 years. Neither man had a prior record.
“Like most violent crimes, this is a sad situation that affects the lives of so many people,” said Assistant Solicitor Shipp Daniel, who prosecuted the case.
“These are two young men who came from a good family and who had not been in trouble before. But on that July night, they robbed and shot a completely innocent man who was very fortunate to survive. It was senseless, and unfortunately, they will now have to spend a significant part of their lives paying for it.” Daniel said the brothers will have to serve at least 85% of their respective sentences.
A third defendant who was involved in the incident, Shameka Evans, was charged with accessory.
Daniel said he is proceeding with her prosecution as well, but could not comment specifically since it is a pending case.
The Dillon County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case, led by Detective John Willie Brown.
Other Pleas
Some of the others who pled guilty last week are Joshua Carmichael (burglary), Devante McNeil (burglary and robbery), Corey Seals (grand larceny), Anthony Singletary (burglary), Nicole Taylor (drugs), Christopher Chavis (drugs), Sandy Cox (grand larceny), Dorothy Hulon (burglary), Quadre Inman (robbery), Wasam Kaddoura (unlawful possession of a weapon), Charles Lewellen (burglary), Dustin Locklear (burglary), Elisha Manning (burglary and resisting arrest), Jonathan McCormick (financial transaction card theft), Vickey Morrison (drugs), Andrey Reaves (robbery) and Christy Small (financial transaction card theft).