The devastated family of a college student from Nashville, New Jersey, is expressing their anger after her murderer accepted a plea deal to lessen his prison time, arguing that no punishment can truly suffice.
Shaquille Taylor, 32, was sentenced to 38 years in prison on Monday after admitting to firing the bullet that tragically killed 18-year-old Belmont University freshman Jillian Ludwig, who was jogging near campus in 2023.
“That’s just not enough… I still believe she should be here,” said Jessica Ludwig, Jillian’s mother, to WSMV after the sentencing. “He took everything from us.”
The young music student, only three months into her college journey, was shot in the head when Taylor, allegedly associated with gang activities, discharged his weapon at another gang member in a car.
Initially charged with first-degree murder, he eventually pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree murder.
“He needs to remain in prison for life,” asserted Matthew Ludwig, Jillian’s father. “Today marks a 38-year sentence for us.”
Following his arrest, it was uncovered that Taylor had been released on a charge of aggravated assault just prior to Jillian’s murder, a revelation that sparked public outrage. He was not charged at that time due to being deemed incompetent to stand trial, despite warnings from the District Attorney’s Office about the risks he posed.
Medical professionals indicated that he had an intellectual disability and a speech impediment, making it challenging for him to handle the demands of a mental health facility.
“They could see it coming… someone else would end up dead — and Jill was killed just 12 days later,” remarked Jessica Ludwig.
The incident has led Tennessee lawmakers to reevaluate state laws, ultimately addressing a loophole that previously allowed defendants deemed incompetent to stand trial to avoid involuntary commitment.
“It was a dangerous loophole… it took a death for change to happen,” Jessica noted.
