NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — For the first time, one Nashville courtroom saw surveillance video of a shooting that took the life of a Belmont University student.

It's another piece of evidence as a judge decides whether the alleged shooter is mentally fit for trial. The Metro Nashville Police Department said Shaquille Taylor fired at a car in Nashville's Edgehill neighborhood in 2023, but he missed — instead, he hit and killed 18-year-old Jillian Ludwig.

Surveillance video shows kids on a basketball court scatter as Taylor appeared to fire a gun. Another video showed Jillian Ludwig walking on a track moments before she was hit. Taylor then walked away. According to an interview with the MNPD, he said he gave the gun away.

On Monday, doctors testified that Taylor once tested with an IQ of 56 when he was younger and has sustained longstanding developmental delays. Those doctors said he's unfit for trial due to mental incompetence.

However, during an IQ test in September 2024, Taylor scored a 70, with one doctor suggesting that his true range could fall between 67 and 75. That expert also said that IQ can fluctuate based on health, environment, and substance abuse.

Another doctor testified about Taylor watching the surveillance footage of the shooting for the first time, saying he appeared to remember everything and be engaged.

"It shows an attitude of interest in the evidence, and it shows a willingness to engage, and as far as I could tell, this had all come independently from him," Dr. Thomas Schacht, a clinical and forensic psychologist, explained.

While prosecutors argued, Taylor showed the mental capacity to try to solve problems by getting rid of evidence, including the gun. They also say this is exemplified by Taylor's claims that someone else's phone belonged to him so the police would not find evidence.

Prosecutors say Taylor has a mental and emotional understanding in regards to the gravity of the crime.

"Mr. Taylor, when he was interviewed by Detective Joe, was able to lie to him about the circumstances in an attempt to set up a self-defense claim. His interview is incredibly relevant," a prosecutor with the state said.

In a video from the interview room with Metro Police, an officer is shown telling Taylor: "The shots that you fired killed a teenage girl that was walking in a nearby park."

Taylor then breaks down crying.

Moments later, that same officer asks if there is anything Taylor would like to tell the family if he could.

Through tears and incomprehensible sentences, Taylor was heard saying, "I didn't know, I didn't know."

The hearing wrapped up around 6 o'clock on Tuesday night. Following the wrap, Jessica Ludwig — Jillian's mother — gave a statement.

"We were hoping for a competency ruling today, but we sincerely hope Judge Dozier will come to that opinion. We believe Taylor is unquestionably competent to stand trial. In the videos we watched today, he spoke clearly and showed that he understands and rationalizes his decisions. He also showed no issues with memory. He talked about his past crimes and the charges he could face and the repercussions they could bring. He talked about evidence, witnesses, consulting with his attorneys; he has a better understanding of the legal system than most people of much higher intelligence ... She was just 18 and she was so talented and ambitious. She had a beautiful, kind and giving soul and such a bright future ahead of her. We must now live with a life sentence and so should he."

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/new-video-suspect-belmont-university-student-shooting/