We have sad news to share tonight regarding the 18-year-old college student from New Jersey who was fatally shot by a stray bullet in Nashville. Police have revealed that the alleged shooter has a lengthy criminal history. Fox 5 reporter Teresa P is live in Bell, New Jersey, where a vigil is currently taking place. Teresa, please provide us with more details. The community has come together to honor the vibrant life of Jillian Lwig, an 18-year-old student hailing from Wall Township.
Jillian was well-known for her musical talents around the Jersey Shore and had pursued her dream of making music in Nashville. Unfortunately, tragedy struck on Tuesday afternoon when she was shot in the head while walking on a local track in Nashville. Overnight, Jillian succumbed to her injuries. The alleged shooter, 29-year-old Shaquille Taylor, has a criminal record, including a 2021 incident involving a woman and her two children.
Charges in that case were eventually dropped when he was determined to have severe intellectual disabilities. The response to this shooting has been swift and overwhelming, with hundreds of people gathering at a vigil on Wednesday night to pay their respects and pray for Jillian. The vigil was organized by Pastor Tom Har of the Calvary Presbyterian Church, who expressed his sadness and the community’s desire to be together during this difficult time. Jillian’s tragic death marks the end of a life filled with promise and a passion for music.
Known for sharing her talent and making others feel, she will be remembered for her impact on those around her. It is worth mentioning that Jillian was also dedicated to giving back to the community. She started a charity called Play it Forward, and those who knew her hope that her legacy will.