Man sentenced to 38 years in Nashville killing of New Jersey student
Ludwig’s death helped lead to the passage of Jillian’s Law in Tennessee, which requires certain defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be committed for treatment rather than released.
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A man who fatally shot a New Jersey college student in Nashville in 2023 has been sentenced to 38 years in prison without parole, prosecutors said.
Shaquille Taylor, 32, pleaded guilty to murder in the death of Jillian Ludwig, an 18‑year‑old Belmont University freshman from New Jersey. Prosecutors said Taylor was shooting at another gang inside a car when a bullet struck Ludwig in the head. She was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she died the next day.
Ludwig’s parents, Matthew and Jessica Ludwig, delivered victim impact statements after the plea. Her father said, “There is no worse pain than a father who loses his only daughter to murder.” Her mother said, “Until that glorious day when we shall meet again, I love you, Jillian.”
A statement read on Taylor’s behalf apologized to the family and said he was not aiming at Ludwig.
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The case drew attention because Taylor had previously been deemed incompetent to stand trial in other criminal cases and released. Ludwig’s death helped lead to the passage of Jillian’s Law in Tennessee, which requires certain defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be committed for treatment rather than released. The law also bars those individuals from possessing firearms.
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Ludwig’s family has since launched the Rae of Light Foundation, which supports efforts to pass similar laws in other states and provides scholarships to young musicians.
