The man accused of fatally shooting a freshman near Belmont University’s campus Tuesday was tried earlier this year for aggravated assault.
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In April, Shaquille Taylor was found incompetent to stand trial, but was shortly after released. Doctors at that time determined that he did not meet the state’s criteria for involuntary commitment to a mental health facility.
Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk says that’s because Tennessee’s standards are nearly impossible to meet. In a statement, he calls for the law to be changed and for the state to provide more resources to handle those who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell has also voiced his support for a change to the law.
“Our criminal legal system and limited mental health access left a dangerous individual both untreated and legally armed,” O’Connell says. “Tennessee needs more beds for individuals experiencing mental health crises and a renewed conversation about how we limit access to firearms for individuals we know are a threat to the community.”
The DA’s office tells WPLN News that it does not yet know how Taylor was able to acquire a gun after his trial.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available. This post was last updated at 1:15 p.m. Thursday.
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