A significant threat to public safety has been eliminated as Ishaaq Taylor, the powerful founder and leader of the violent “Only the Shadows” (OTS) Crip gang set, was sentenced to 60 years to serve 40 in the 2021 murder of 18-year-old Shamarian “Bobby” Chatfield. Taylor’s removal from the community represents a major victory in the fight against gang violence in Middle Georgia.
“Ishaaq Taylor was not just another gang member,” said Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney Anita Howard. “He was a dangerous criminal mastermind who built and commanded a sophisticated violent organization. Getting this dangerous leader off our streets makes our entire community safer.”
Taylor’s influence was so pervasive and his control so absolute that three co-defendants refused to testify at trial, even when facing charges themselves, because Taylor instilled a fear of retribution.
On October 12, 2021, Chatfield was shot and killed in broad daylight at the Marathon gas station on Napier Avenue. Evidence presented during the week-long trial revealed that Ishaaq Taylor was the triggerman, shooting the victim in the back during a gang retaliation incident over allegations that someone shot up Taylor’s car. Taylor searched for the shooter of his car for nearly four hours before finding Chatfield, who wasn’t the original target. Being associated with the rival gang “Green Team,” Chatfield became a target of opportunity based on his associations.
The investigation uncovered disturbing evidence of how Taylor built a criminal empire that spread throughout Macon, Warner Robins, Hawkinsville, and Perry, with ambitions to expand into Atlanta. Under Taylor’s leadership, OTS operated with military-like precision, featuring a command structure with Taylor at the top, a tier of “shooters” or “steppers” below him, and general membership at the base.
Taylor’s influence extended into the most vulnerable segments of the community as he actively promoted gang recruitment within Bibb County Schools. DA Howard wants parents to be on alert for this type of recruiting activity and work with law enforcement to protect our children from predators.
Sentencing Details:
- Ishaaq Taylor: 60 years to serve 40 years for Voluntary Manslaughter, Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Rashawn Taylor: 20 years to serve seven years for one count of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
- Antonio King: 20 years to serve 10 years for one count of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
- James Tolliver: 20 years to serve seven years for one count of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
All defendants waived their appellate rights, sparing the victim’s family years of additional legal proceedings.
The prosecution was led by Chief Assistant Tony May and ADA Kayla Callaway, with special thanks to Malcom Bryant, Sergeant in the Gang Unit of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Bryant’s dedication to uncovering every piece of evidence in this case was critical to holding Taylor and his associates accountable.
