Crime
43-year-old Brandon Taylor killed in New Orleans terror attack
New Orleans, LA – Brandon Taylor, a 43-year-old cook from Terrytown with a passion for rap music, was one of the 14 people tragically killed in the Bourbon Street terror attack early Wednesday morning.
Known for his quiet demeanor and deep love for music, Taylor was engaged to 38-year-old Heather Genusa, who was by his side during the horrific event.
The couple had been enjoying a night out in the French Quarter, spending time in a Bourbon Street club before the attack occurred. According to Genusa, Taylor stepped outside and was standing near a boom lift parked in the 300 block of Bourbon Street when a speeding pickup truck crashed into him.
“No one should ever have to die like that. He didn’t deserve it,” said Genusa, her voice filled with emotion.
Taylor’s 75-year-old mother, Mary Guerrera, described her son as a Christian man with a deep love for music and a kind heart.
“It’s been very difficult,” Guerrera said on Friday. “I’m pretty devastated, and I’m just trying to get through this.”
Taylor, born and raised in Marrero, was the youngest of Guerrera’s two sons and a graduate of John Ehret High School.
“He was my entire life,” said Genusa. “Brandon was my everything, and I lost it all.”
The night turned deadly just after 3:15 a.m. when the white pickup truck, driven by the suspected terrorist, sped into the crowded street. Genusa recalled narrowly dodging the truck herself, only to witness the unimaginable.
“The truck ran into the crane, and I’m pretty sure Brandon was right before the crane. He was the very last victim to be hit,” she said, her voice breaking.
When she reached Taylor, his body was draped over the front of the truck. His legs were broken, and he was struggling to breathe.
Genusa moved him to the ground and attempted rescue breathing, holding on to hope.
“I prayed over [Brandon], and I told him to never give up, to keep fighting the entire time,” she said.
Medical personnel arrived after what felt like an eternity, and Taylor was transported by ambulance. Genusa never saw him again.
Taylor’s passion for music was evident throughout his life. He enjoyed rapping and attending concerts, earning the nickname “Lazy” in his musical endeavors, according to Genusa.
O’Kieth Gibson, Taylor’s best friend since childhood, remembered him as a man deeply connected to music, whether he was performing or simply enjoying it.
Taylor’s death leaves a void in the lives of his family and friends, particularly Genusa, who described him as her world.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the attack, which claimed 14 lives and injured several others. The driver of the truck, who also shot and wounded two New Orleans police officers, was killed by law enforcement at the scene.
The loss of Brandon Taylor is a profound reminder of the tragedy that unfolded on Bourbon Street and its impact on the lives of so many. His family and loved ones are now left to mourn a life taken far too soon.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.