Keon Gray is facing 165 years for the murder of seven-year-old Taylor Hayes in July of 2018 He is tentatively scheduled to be sentenced this October 18, 2019.
In an official statement to the press, State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby agreed that her office’s excessive penal recommendations are commensurate with the defendant’s unconscionable actions:
“This reckless and irresponsible crime committed by the defendant took the life of a precious and innocent child. We are grateful to receive justice for seven-year-old Taylor Hayes, and I applaud the work of prosecutors, Charles Blomquist and Matt Pillion, as well as our partners at BPD for their commitment to justice. The defendant faces 165 years in jail and should no longer have the freedom to take the life of anyone else recklessly. We will continue to offer support and prayers for the family of Taylor Hayes and the other victims in this case as they begin the process of healing from the guilty verdict.”
On July 5, 2018, at approximately 2:16 p.m., seven-year-old Taylor Hayes, another minor and two adults were in a vehicle traveling in the 500 block of Lyndhurst Street. A gunman later identified by eye-witnesses as Keon Gray—intentionally fired multiple shots at the car with a handgun. As the bullets struck the vehicle, they pierced the center-rear seat where Hayes was seated. Despite several surgical inventions, Hayes succumbed to her injuries on July 19, 2018.
During the course of the trial, the State called over 30 witnesses who provided evidence ranging from historical cell-site mapping and toll records to DNA evidence which was used to place the defendant at both locations of the shooting and the defendant’s subsequent accident in the 2014 Mercedes.
Gray—a repeat violent offender—has been prohibited from possessing a firearm since 2007 due to previous felony convictions.
