Man charged with murder mistakingly released from jail, rearrested when he showed back up for court

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The man charged with murder for gunning down an innocent man was arrested again after accidentally being released from jail without bond.

According to an affidavit, 26-year-old Gary Taylor, also known as “Lil Gary” was one of four men involved in the shooting.

MORE: Memphis mother frustrated after her son’s accused killer released

The fatal shooting happened in a vacant lot near 660 Wells Ave. in North Memphis on December 21.

Records show that police arrested Gary Taylor for first-degree murder on Thursday.

However, he was released on his own recognizance on Saturday, according to jail records.

Gary Taylor was due in court Tuesday morning for a bond hearing and was arrested once again.

But, Gary Taylor isn’t the only person behind bars for the murder.

Daniel Bates, also known as “Mac Critter” and Danterio Owens are also both charged with first-degree murder, according to court affidavits.

Bates is a Memphis-based rapper signed to Gucci Mane’s label.

Bates’ attorney, Arthur Horne, said he was shocked that his client did not get bond.

“I thought that my client would have gotten a bond,” Horne said. “It’s alleged, in the affidavit, that he was there but he is not the shooter. When Gary Taylor got bond, he was the alleged shooter. I was optimistic that we were going to get bond today but we didn’t.”

All suspects will remain behind bars and are scheduled to be back in court on January 10.

Gary Taylor was not given a bond upon his rearrest.

The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office released the following statement regarding Gary Taylor’s mistaken release.

We’ve received several inquiries regarding the case of Gary Taylor, who was charged with First Degree Murder and due to a process error recently released on his own recognizance pending trial. The DA’s Office played no role in the decision to release him. Per longstanding procedure, the judicial commissioner made an initial bond decision to set “no bond.” Subsequently, a process error resulted in Mr. Taylor’s release. The matter never got to the point where a prosecutor was involved in the bond decision.

It is important to note that Taylor’s release was a mistake and not typical. The error had nothing to do with bail reform generally or the new bail procedure set to start in February. Someone charged with First Degree Murder would not ordinarily be released on his own recognizance.

We understand that a warrant was issued soon after, that the defendant showed up for his court date today, and is now in custody with no bond. The DA’s office will vigorously pursue the prosecution of this case, and will also consult with other officials in an effort to prevent mistakes like this from recurring.

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also released a statement on Gary Taylor’s mistaken release.

It is outrageous that a person charged with first degree murder is so easily released from jail. This is yet another example of the revolving door at 201 Poplar, which puts us all at risk by releasing violent offenders back into the community and sends a signal to other offenders that there is little consequence to their violent actions.

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