A Belmont University freshman who was shot in the head in Nashville Tuesday afternoon is not expected to survive, according to multiple reports.
“An 18-year-old female Belmont [University] student from NJ was very critically wounded by a gunshot [Tuesday] afternoon while walking on the track in Edgehill Community Memorial Gardens Park,” the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said on Twitter Tuesday. “The gunfire came from public housing across the street. Investigation active.”
BREAKING: An 18-year-old female Belmont Univ student from NJ was very critically wounded by a gunshot Tue afternoon while walking on the track in Edgehill Community Memorial Gardens Park. The gunfire came from public housing across the street. Investigation active. pic.twitter.com/cClG6jSZfF
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) November 8, 2023
The student was later identified as Jillian Ludwig (pictured above), and it was determined by police that the bullet that struck her was a stray from a gun battle.
“Shaquille Taylor, 29, is being charged with [aggravated] assault & evidence tampering for [Tuesday] afternoon’s shooting of Belmont [University] student Jillian Ludwig, 18,” MNPD said early Wednesday morning. “Taylor was shooting at a car when a bullet hit Ludwig in the head as she walked on a track in a park across the street.”
BREAKING: Shaquille Taylor, 29, is being charged with agg assault & evidence tampering for Tue afternoon's shooting of Belmont Univ student Jillian Ludwig, 18. Taylor was shooting at a car when a bullet hit Ludwig in the head as she walked on a track in a park across the street. pic.twitter.com/ZkoB7clySc
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) November 8, 2023
Taylor is being held on $280,000 bail, according to MNPD.
Police say Ludwig is not expected to survive.
“Jillian is an engaged member of our community who is known for her love of music and its incredible power,” Belmont president Dr. Greg Jones reportedly said. “A music business major and bass player, she is often found at concerts, cheering on fellow musicians and using music as a way to connect with those around her. Jillian is also an avid runner who enjoys being outside.”
According to News Channel 5, Taylor was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in 2021. He was deemed mentally unfit to stand trial and the charges were later dropped.
Taylor has a lengthy criminal record dating back to 2010, which includes arrests for aggravated robbery and possession of a handgun, assault, robbery, aggravated burglary, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and vehicle theft, according to WSMV, who cited a criminal background check obtained from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell used the incident to try to further his gun control agenda.
“Belmont has stood with Nashville so many times, and today we stand with them,” he reportedly said. “Doctors have previously deemed the suspected shooter to be incompetent to stand trial. Unfortunately, our criminal legal system and limited mental health access left a dangerous individual both untreated and legally armed. Tennessee needs more beds for individuals experiencing mental health crises and a renewed conversation about how we limit access to firearms for individuals we know are a threat to the community.”
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter.
