Jackson, Tenn. — Schuyler Jarvell Taylor, a 31‑year‑old man from Whiteville, Tennessee, was killed early Sunday morning after gunfire erupted in the parking lot of King Baba’s Restaurant on Old Hickory Boulevard. The Jackson Police Department said officers were called to the scene at about 3:30 a.m. after nearby residents reported shots fired in the restaurant’s parking area.
When officers arrived, investigators found evidence that multiple rounds had been discharged in the lot. Within minutes of their arrival, police were told Taylor had already been taken by friends or bystanders to a local hospital with gunshot wounds. He later died from his injuries, according to the police statement.
Family members and neighbors described Taylor as a quiet man who wasn’t known to cause trouble. Some said they were drawn from their homes early Sunday by the sound of loud pops that did not initially register as gunshots. One witness said it sounded like fireworks at first, a moment that quickly shifted to fear when people realized what was happening. Taylor’s loved ones rushed him to the hospital in hopes of saving him, but he succumbed to his wounds.
Police confirmed Taylor’s identity later Sunday and said the investigation is ongoing. At this stage, no arrests have been announced and authorities are appealing to the public for tips. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and homes to try to identify suspects and establish a timeline of events leading up to the shooting.
The loss has stunned both the Jackson and Whiteville communities, where residents are mourning a life cut short. Friends described Taylor as someone who cared deeply about his family and worked hard to support them. Messages of grief and disbelief circulated on social media as news of his death spread.
Officials urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Jackson Police Department’s tip line. They noted that even minor details could help guide investigators toward those responsible. Police stressed they are committed to pursuing all leads to bring answers to Taylor’s family.
As the community grapples with the tragedy, local leaders appealed for calm and cooperation with law enforcement. A neighbor organized an informal gathering to honor Taylor’s memory and to encourage people to speak up if they know anything that could help the case. Authorities said the investigation remains active and updates will be released when verified information becomes available.
