Suspect awaits public defender in 2021 North Elm shooting case

Marshawn Taylor, the man accused in a shooting incident on North Elm Street in May of 2021, continues to wait for a public defender to appointed to his case, and the judge remains hopeful it can be resolved.

Taylor appeared virtually before Christian Circuit Judge Andrew Self Monday morning, who was informed that a public defender has not yet been appointed, but the Department of Public Advocacy will work to make sure one is appointed as soon as possible.  Judge Self set a pretrial hearing for October 16, with the hope a public defender will be appointed and work on getting the case resolved by that time.

Taylor is currently serving a sentence in a state facility for unrelated charges. 

Taylor allegedly shot 27-year-old Marka Smith of Owensboro in the wrist and hip while she was sitting in a vehicle in the 100 block of North Elm in May of 2021. He’s charged with assault in the first-degree, first-degree wanton endangerment and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.