Belmont University Freshman Jillian Ludwig Dies After Being Shot by Man Previously Deemed Incompetent for Trial

Belmont University student, Jillian Ludwig, dies after being hit by stray bullet fired by Shaquille Taylor, a man previously released after being found mentally incompetent to stand trial. Critics see case as demonstration of legal loopholes surrounding treatment of mentally ill offenders, reigniting debates on public safety and mental health laws.

Belmont University freshman Jillian Ludwig was fatally hit by a stray bullet fired by Shaquille Taylor, previously deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial. The incident happened in a Nashville park near the Belmont campus.
Taylor has a criminal history dating back to 2016 including aggravated assault charges and serving periods in custody. He was released following charges in 2021 after a court deemed him mentally incompetent.
Debate has sparked regarding public safety and mental health laws. Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk and Mayor Freddie O’Connell have criticized Tennessee's laws regarding involuntary commitment of mentally ill offenders, calling for stronger measures to balance individual needs with public safety.
Taylor was in the process of shooting at a car when a bullet fatally hit Ludwig. He has been charged with aggravated assault and evidence tampering, with Nashville Police in talks regarding modifying the charges following Ludwig's death.
The incident has increased conversation about campus safety, with Belmont University President Greg Jones stating the university is intensifying its ongoing discussions with Nashville Metro officials to improve safety.