Parents of victim killed in I-24 shooting mourn son, ask for information
She told him she loved him as he left home at 7:13 a.m. to work at CarTronics in Nashville where he just passed a test for advancement.
“Love you too, Mom,” Taylor replied.
Taylor, 22, of Smyrna died within 45 minutes later after he was shot and killed while driving on Interstate 24 between Waldron Road and the Rutherford-Davidson County line.
“I am so thankful and grateful I had that moment with him,” Leonard said as she become overcome with tears.
She and her husband, Scott Leonard, Taylor’s father Scot Taylor, and children Josh and Hannah mourn for Taylor.
Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating Noah Taylor’s death.
She urged people who witnessed the shooting or drivers who have dash cam video to contact Sheriff’s Detective Thomas Burnett at 615-904-3052 and leave a message.
The family is offering a $2,000 reward and Rutherford County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for the death. People may call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 615-893-STOP (7867).
Information and dash camera video might help the investigation and bring justice to the family, she said.
Burnett said detectives request dash cam video from drivers traveling between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Saturday on Interstate 24 from the Interstate 840 entrance to the Bell Road exit in Nashville.
Noah attended Rock Springs Elementary School and Rocky Fork Middle School where he played football. An elementary school teacher and his middle school coach reached out to his mother after his death.
“He touched so many lives,” his mother said.
Noah’s father, Scot, who lives in Kansas, last communicated with his son by texting Friday night. They had breakfast a few weeks ago.
Noah told his father he had “given his life to Christ and was baptized.” Noah wanted to be involved in the ministry and shared his favorite verses from Proverbs.
“I could hear the joy in his voice,” Scot Taylor said.
His father said his son did not deserve to be killed. The father will never get to see what kind of life his son would have or never have grandchildren from Noah.
Noah’s friend, Tonny Duenas, met Noah when they worked together in Smyrna and invited him to LifePoint Church in Smyrna. Noah became part of the Spanish ministry at the church.
“He was growing up in his faith,” Duenas said of Noah. “I know he’s in a better place now.”
Scot Taylor agreed.
“My son, I know, is in a better place,” Scot Taylor said. “That’s what gives me peace.”
His mother described him as “an amazing and loving son. I am at a loss for words.”
Dash cam videos from drivers traveling on Interstate 24 Saturday morning are requested for the murder of a Rutherford County man, a Rutherford County Sheriff’s detective said.
Driver Noah Taylor, 22, of Smyrna, was killed while driving about 7:30 a.m. Saturday on Interstate 24 near Waldron Road toward Nashville, said Detective Thomas Burnett.
“Dash cam footage would be advantageous,” Burnett said. “We’re interested in information and dash cams from Interstate 840 to the Bell Road exit between 7 and 8 a.m.”
Drivers who have the videos or other information may contact Burnett at 615-904-3052.
Taylor’s family members are offering a $2,000 reward.
“Crime Stoppers is offering a reward up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect responsible,” Burnett said.
People with information may call Rutherford County Crime Stoppers at 615-893-7867. Callers remain anonymous.
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