CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A community is mourning after the shooting death of Capital High School student KJ Taylor.
Charleston Police said Taylor, 18, was shot in the chest at around 8 p.m. Wednesday in the 800 block of Central Avenue on the city’s West Side. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
Police continue their investigation. No arrests have been made.
Taylor was a key contributor on the Capital football team, previously played basketball for the Cougars, and was set to graduate high school next month.
As a junior in 2019, Taylor was named a first-team selection to the All-Mountain State Athletic Conference squad. Taylor played receiver and defensive back on the Cougars’ 11-2 team in 2018 that advanced to the Class AAA state semifinals and the state quarterfinalist team a year later.
In 2019, Taylor caught 32 passes for 427 yards and 4 touchdowns in the regular season.
“I do ask that our community come together and show our support for the Taylor family and for anyone who was a friend of KJ…” Hunt said moments ago.
The chief says this investigation is ‘priority number one.’ pic.twitter.com/B00MvIvlwa
— Jake Flatley (@JakeFlatley) April 8, 2021
Charleston Police Chief Tyke Hunt said the investigation into the death continues.
“I do ask that our community come together and show our support for the Taylor family and for anyone who was a friend of KJ,” Hunt said in a Thursday monring news conference.
Hunt said officers were on the scene and rendered aid before the call was dispatched. Officers were patrolling the area.
“Unfortunately we were unable to save the life of KJ,” Hunt said.
Kanawha County Schools sent crisis teams Thursday to Capital High, West Side Middle School and Mary C. Snow/West Side Elementary School.
The House of Delegates began Thursday’s floor session with a moment of silence for Taylor.
Friends, teammates, and even opposing teams and coaches have shared heartache and grief on social media over the loss.
Fly High KJ #LLKJ #RIP #6 pic.twitter.com/MHzqOvj7Wl
— Capital High Football (@CapHighFootball) April 8, 2021
The Capital High community needs a lot of prayers. Rest in heaven, KJ. ? We play tonight with you in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/NUodPkMFfJ
— Cap High Basketball (@CapitalHigh_MBB) April 8, 2021
Our deepest thoughts and prayers to the family of KJ Taylor and the @CHS_Cougars1989 community. ??
— Herbert Hoover Football (@HHHuskiesFB) April 8, 2021
Thoughts and prayers to the friends and family hurting from the loss of KJ Taylor. May God give all of them the strength during this difficult time. Very sad day.
— ?????? Coach Mays ?????? (@CoachDMays) April 8, 2021
Charleston Police are expected to release more on his death today.
.@JeffJenkinsMN speaks with @DaveWilsonMN about the tragic loss of Capital High School senior KJ Taylor. WATCH: https://t.co/yCFQ3nDJuy pic.twitter.com/XeBT0pPYKo
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) April 8, 2021