PALMDALE – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a $10,000 reward for information leading to the person(s) responsible for the drive-by shooting death of 19-year-old Jacob Matthew Taylor.
Taylor was fatally shot before 1 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2022, at Marie Kerr Park in the 39900 block 30th Street West, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Taylor was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Sheriff’s officials said two young women were also struck by gunfire, but suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
“Investigators learned a group of people were in the west parking lot after hours when a fight broke out but was quickly broken up,” sheriff’s officials said in a statement at the time. “Approximately 10 minutes later, a pickup truck was driven into the parking lot by unknown assailants who opened fire on the crowd striking the three victims before speeding away northbound on 30th Street West.”
The shooting did not appear to be gang-related, authorities said.
“My heart goes out to this young man’s family who has been left with an unfillable void in their lives,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who proposed the reward. “The loss of a son, brother, and grandchild will be felt forever. I’m hopeful that providing this reward will help us find those responsible for Jacob’s murder. There needs to be accountability for this senseless loss of a precious life.”
Taylor’s parents, Monty and Jessica Taylor, issued a statement through Barger’s office Tuesday, Sept. 12, saying, “Losing Jacob so early in his life is extremely painful for our family. His two little sisters are broken-hearted. We loved him beyond words and we ache for him everyday. We are grateful for this reward, and pray that someone in our Antelope Valley community will come forward to help solve our son’s murder. This isn’t only about justice for Jacob or helping us find closure. This is also about preventing whomever is responsible from devastating another family.”
Anyone with information about this fatal shooting is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 and speak with detectives Michael Haggerty or Francis Hardiman. Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org.
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Anonymous says
I’ve reported at least 3 times of what may have gone down at this party and what may have lead to this event throughout this entire year and now it’s his death anniversary…I still see no follow up.
Jessica Taylor says
My SON was innocent! He was 19 it was Halloween night! He was laughing & dancing being a 19 year old then EVIL took place! My sweet jakey poo mommy loves you handsome I am down here holding it down for your baby sisters son! I love you eternally handsome! I’ll love you forever I’ll like you for always as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be! ❤️ mamas first born only son! How I miss you! Day 317 of the rest of MY LIFE
Jade Taylor says
My chubbs! I will love you always my brother ❤️.
Reward says
Hanging out in a parking lot at 1am in Palmdale…
Lisa says
They are still children. Out just having fun. It is a tragedy and my heartfelt prayers go out to the family.
JD says
It was Halloween night. Pretty normal thing to do. Opening fire into a group of people is not a normal thing to do. Try not to victim blame.
Jessica TAYLOR says
Thank you it was HALLOWEEN NIGHT he was coming home! I just talked to him & next call I get is to come to hospital so for anyone to ASSume anything else SHAME ON THEM! My baby was 19! He was dancing having a good time like a NORMAL 19 year old & then got shot Make it make sense!
BDR says
What did you do when you were that age with friends in the AV. There is nothing to do for kids in college besides a pool hall. Hanging out talking and enjoying each other’s company has been the normal thing to do as long as time. Nice try implying he was up to no good though.
Jessica TAYLOR says
Thank you for saying this! My son wasn’t doing anything wrong! He was 100000000000000000000000000% INNOCENT & got murdered for no reason