A kitchen argument over a comment about weight ended with a gunshot wound and a felony arrest in Marion County, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrested Malachi William Taylor, 21, on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon following a shooting at a residence on June 14.
According to an arrest affidavit, the incident began when the victim allegedly pinched Taylor’s stomach while commenting that he looked “pudgy.” Taylor told investigators he repeatedly told the victim he did not want to be touched. The disagreement escalated after Taylor left the kitchen, retrieved a Taurus 9mm handgun from his bedroom and returned to confront the victim.
Witnesses told deputies Taylor displayed the firearm and repeatedly told the victim to leave him alone. The victim allegedly responded by asking, “Are you going to shoot me?” Moments later, the gun discharged, striking the victim in the left forearm.
Taylor later told deputies he intended to fire a warning shot and claimed the victim moved toward him as the weapon discharged. Investigators noted Taylor gave conflicting accounts about where the firearm was pointed when it fired.
The victim suffered a single gunshot wound to the arm with both entry and exit wounds and was transported for medical treatment. Deputies said the firearm was later recovered after Taylor admitted throwing it into the front yard before law enforcement arrived.
Taylor was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail. He is being held without bond on the felony charge.
