Man Arrested For Fatally Shooting His Mother’s Alleged Abuser

Shelby County, TN – A 23-year-old Tennessee man is facing a murder charge for fatally shooting his mother’s alleged abuser.

The incident occurred at a residence located in the 3900-block of Piermont Street in the northeast area of Shelby County at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Dec. 23, WATN reported.

According to court documents, 23-year-old Najja Simmons called 911 and told the dispatcher that he had just shot his stepfather, WMC reported.

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies said they responded to the scene and found the body of a deceased male lying unresponsive on the dining room floor with a gunshot wound to the head.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, WMC reported.

“SCSO detectives are conducting a death investigation into a shooting at the 3900 block of Piermont St. in north Shelby County at about 6:45pm,” the sheriff’s office said in a tweet that night. “An adult male was pronounced deceased on the scene by Shelby County Fire. One person has been detained. This is an ongoing investigation.”

Investigators later identified the deceased male as 45-year-old Johnnie Taylor, WREG reported.

Simmons allegedly told deputies that his stepfather was abusing his mother and that he shot him without warning, according to the news outlet.

SCSO detectives are conducting a death investigation into a shooting at the 3900 block of Piermont St. in north Shelby County at about 6:45pm. An adult male was pronounced deceased on the scene by Shelby County Fire. One person has been detained. This is an ongoing investigation. pic.twitter.com/XfiR89WuLq

— ShelbyTNSheriff (@ShelbyTNSheriff) December 23, 2022

According to court documents, witnesses said Simmons shot Taylor with provocation or any notice, WATN reported.

Investigators said they recovered a handgun lying out in the front yard and that they believe it is the murder weapon.

Deputies noted that Simmons told them he was the one who tossed the firearm out into the yard, WMC reported.

Simmons was arrested on a first-degree murder charge and was being held without bond.

The investigation into the fatal shooting remains ongoing, according to police.