The case of Lakylia Taylor, a 19-year-old woman charged with second-degree murder and several other felonies after a fatal shooting outside a Foot Locker, has sparked major public attention. What began as a violent confrontation has now turned into a national discussion about justice, self-defense, and fairness in bail decisions.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Even rapper Meek Mill has added his voice to the conversation, questioning the legal system’s response to what many see as a desperate act of protection during a dangerous assault.
What Happened Outside the Foot Locker?
Lakylia Taylor and her brother, Dejuan Taylor, reportedly had an ongoing conflict with a group of men. According to reports, all parties were familiar with one another before the incident. While leaving a Foot Locker, a confrontation quickly turned violent.
The group of men allegedly began attacking Dejuan, pistol-whipping him in the process. Witnesses say the men were armed. In response to the threat, Lakylia ran to her car, retrieved a firearm, and fired at the attackers. She shot all four men. Two of them died from their injuries.
Shortly after the incident, she and her brother reportedly took the attackers’ weapons and left the scene. Both were later arrested and charged.
Charges Filed Against Lakylia and Her Brother
Lakylia Taylor is now facing:
Second-degree murder Assault with intent to murder Felony firearm possession Carrying a concealed weapon Tampering with evidence
Her brother, Dejuan Taylor, age 21, is charged with:
Tampering with evidence Firearm larceny Carrying a concealed weapon Larceny under $200
While Dejuan’s charges are serious, it’s Lakylia’s situation and high bond that have caused the most debate.
Meek Mill’s Response to the Case
Meek Mill, a long-time advocate for criminal justice reform, reacted to the $2.5 million bail set for Lakylia. In a post shared online, he said:
“Why is her bail $2.5M if somebody approached her and her brother with a gun and attacked? It’s a full sad situation, but she looks like she’s trying to survive a dangerous situation with her brother. Prayers to the victims and families—including her. SMH.”
His statement reflects growing concern over whether the charges and bail align with what appears to be an act of protection during a violent encounter.
Can This Be Considered Self-Defense?
A key question in this case is whether Lakylia acted in self-defense.
In many states, self-defense is legally justified when someone believes they or someone else is in immediate danger of serious harm. The fact that her brother was being physically assaulted and that the attackers reportedly had weapons may support that claim.
However, prosecutors may argue that retrieving a gun from a car could make it appear as though she had time to reconsider. This could be why the charges include second-degree murder rather than manslaughter or a lesser offense.
Another complication is the decision to remove weapons from the scene and flee, which can be seen as evidence tampering or flight from responsibility even if it was done out of fear or confusion.
Public Reaction and Legal Debate
Online, opinions are divided. Some believe Lakylia should not be facing murder charges for protecting her brother from an armed group. Others argue that more information is needed before judging the actions taken.
The $2.5 million bail is especially controversial. Critics point out that many defendants accused of worse crimes have received lower bonds. The amount could make it nearly impossible for someone of her background to post bail, keeping her behind bars while awaiting trial.
The Bigger Picture
This case highlights a common issue in the justice system: how courts handle violent confrontations, especially when young people are involved. It also raises questions about bail fairness, especially in cases where self-defense might be part of the story.
