Trial date set for man accused in death of Belmont University student

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The man accused of killing a Belmont University student is heading to trial next year.

Shaquille Taylor is accused of shooting 18-year-old Jillian Ludwig while she was running at a park near Belmont’s campus in 2023. Investigators say Taylor shot at a car but missed, and that stray bullet hit Ludwig.

Taylor is facing a list of charges with the most serious being felony murder. He has pleaded not guilty.

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Months before the November 2023 shooting, Taylor was found incompetent in another case and was released. The shooting that killed Ludwig happened shortly after his release.

A competency hearing was held for Taylor regarding a trial for Ludwig’s death, and earlier this month, a judge ruled Taylor is competent to stand trial for the college student’s death.

Family and friends of Ludwig sat through both days of testimony. They are adamant that multiple factors, including interviews played in the court of Taylor, showed that he is competent and they should proceed to a trial.

During a court hearing on Wednesday, Taylor’s trial was set for May 4, 2026.

This case inspired a new law in our state called “Jillian’s Law.” If someone is charged with a misdemeanor and found incompetent to stand trial, their charge would be considered “retired” after a year, but the new law changed that to two years.