SMYRNA, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Smyrna couple charged in the deadly shooting of 22-year-old Noah Taylor appeared before a judge Tuesday as investigators laid out how they tied the pair to the crime.

Taylor was on his way to work last month when he was shot and killed along Interstate 24 in what authorities describe as a case of road rage.

Detectives testified that bullet casings found in the couple's trash matched those recovered at the scene. They also revealed the rifle used in the shooting was already on law enforcement's radar because of a prior aggravated domestic assault case.

"We knew about the rifle due to a domestic situation involving Mr. Branson and an aggravated assault against Ms. McGowan," a homicide investigator told the court.

A defense attorney for 40-year-old LaTashia McGowan pushed back, claiming she was not as involved as prosecutors say.

"I know that someone is deceased, but we have to make sure we're getting the right person," McGowan's attorney said.

The judge pointed to the weapon at the center of the case.

"I don't know anything that puts the community at risk more than guns," the judge said. "Specifically, semi-automatic weapons."

The judge said the bond remains at $250,000 for McGowan and $1 million for 41-year-old Glenn Branson.

The case now heads to a grand jury. Prosecutors will present the evidence, and jurors will decide whether there is enough evidence to return indictments.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/smyrna-couple-appears-in-court-after-deadly-i-24-road-rage-shooting/