Federal Grand Jury Indicts New Orleans Man for Murdering Two Victims

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On August 18, 2023, BLAIR TAYLOR, a/k/a “Blood” a New Orleans resident, was charged in a recently unsealed two-count indictment.  Both Counts 1 and 2, charged TAYLOR with causing a death through the use of a firearm, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(j)(1), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  TAYLOR was arrested on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, in Norwich, Connecticut. 

According to the indictment, on or about August l0, 2014,  TAYLOR, during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime described as a conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 and 846, knowingly used, carried, brandished, and discharged a firearm, during his commission of a violation of Title18, United States Code, Section 924(c), that caused the deaths of two victims. The indictment further alleges that the deaths of these victims, through the use of a firearm, constituted the crime of murder as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 1111; all of which violated Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(j)(1) and 2.

As to each count, TAYLOR faces a maximum term of life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.  

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich and Unit Chief Attorney Elizabeth Privitera, both of the Violent Crime Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.