Taylor asked the police to help keep an eye on his property after some burglaries. Deputy Ernest Kevin Ragland came to check the property and saw Taylor with a handgun. Mistaking him for a burglar, he fired 11 shots. One struck Taylor, killing him. Although Ragland claims he identified himself and gave verbal commands before firing, Taylor's wife Cynthia Ridinger claims he did not, and that the Sheriff Office tried to cover up Ragland's misconduct. She filed a wrongful death lawsuit. As of 08/14, the lawsuit is pending, Ridinger's lawyer also sued the Blount County Sheriff for failure to disclose all records regarding the case.
Victim's Name: Henry C. Taylor Jr.
Agency Responsible: Blount County Sheriff's Department
Gender: Male
Age: 68
Race: White
Date of Death: August 21, 2013
County: Blount
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Justified
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: No
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Geography: Suburban