Broderick Taylor Jr. was a 17-year-old teenager from Oxford, Alabama, who had a bright future ahead of him. He was the younger brother of Kwon Alexander, a star linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). However, his life was cut short on October 30, 2015, when he was shot and killed after a fight with another man. This article will explore the details of his life, his death, and the aftermath of the tragic incident.
Life and Family
Broderick Taylor Jr. was born in 1998 to Broderick Taylor Sr. and Sharonda Hutchinson Ball. He had seven siblings: Kwon Alexander, Briondria Taylor, Crystal Ball, C. Montell Ball, Angelica Turner, Shaneka Wolf, and Nevaeh Taylor. It is not clear if they were all direct, step, or half siblings.
Broderick attended Randolph Park Ele, Anniston Middle School, and Oxford High School. He was a social and friendly person who made many friends along the way. He had an interest in sports and music, and he looked up to his older brother Kwon, who was a successful football player.
Kwon Alexander was born on August 3, 1994, in Oxford, Alabama. He played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU) and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He is currently playing for the New Orleans Saints as a linebacker. He has been named to the Pro Bowl twice and has earned several accolades for his performance on the field.
Death and Trial
On Friday night, October 30, 2015, Broderick Taylor Jr. got into a fight with Jerald Bailey, a 25-year-old man from Anniston, Alabama. The fight took place on West 15th Street in Anniston around 10:30 p.m. According to witnesses, Bailey pulled out a gun and shot Taylor multiple times in the chest. Taylor was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
The police launched a manhunt for Bailey but he turned himself in the next morning at the Calhoun County Jail. He was charged with murder and held without bond. His trial began in September 2017 and lasted for four days. The jury deliberated for five hours before finding him guilty of manslaughter, a lesser charge than murder. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years.
The verdict and sentence were met with mixed reactions from both sides of the case. Taylor’s family and friends were disappointed that Bailey was not convicted of murder and felt that justice was not served. Bailey’s family and supporters were relieved that he avoided the death penalty and hoped that he would get a chance to reform himself.
Legacy and Tribute
Broderick Taylor Jr.’s death left a deep impact on his family, especially his brother Kwon Alexander. Kwon dedicated his career and his life to honoring his brother’s memory and legacy. He played one of his best games ever just two days after his brother’s death, leading the Buccaneers to a win over the Atlanta Falcons with 11 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery.
Kwon also founded the Broderick Taylor II Foundation in 2016 to help young people achieve their dreams through education, sports, and mentorship. The foundation provides scholarships, grants, camps, workshops, and other programs to empower youth and inspire them to pursue their passions.
Kwon also has a tattoo of his brother’s face on his chest with the words “Long Live B.T.” He wears a necklace with his brother’s picture and often posts tributes to him on social media. He has said that his brother is always with him in spirit and that he plays for him every time he steps on the field.
Broderick Taylor Jr.’s cause of death was a senseless act of violence that robbed him of his life and potential. However, his legacy lives on through his brother’s achievements and efforts to make a positive difference in the world.
