She went out for a jog — now a law bears her name.
On a quiet November afternoon in Nashville, 18-year-old Belmont University freshman Jillian Ludwig went out for a walk. She never came back.
A stray bullet, fired during an unrelated shooting blocks away, struck Jillian in the head. She died the next day, sparking shock and outrage across Tennessee.
The shooter, Shaquille Taylor, wasn’t targeting her. He had a history of violent charges but had been deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial and released due to a loophole in state law. Just months later, Jillian was dead.
Jillian’s Law was passed in response. Effective July 1, 2024, it mandates that anyone found incompetent to stand trial must be transferred to a mental health facility — closing the gap that let Taylor walk free.
Her death also prompted an expansion in mental health resources, though still limited, and led to a second law. House Bill 1177 extends the time to refile dropped misdemeanor charges and requires public safety reviews before releasing individuals from court-ordered treatment.
As court hearings continue, Jillian’s family seeks justice. They believe Taylor is competent enough to stand trial — noting he had a driver’s license, handled a firearm, and disposed of evidence.
“We just want justice,” said her aunt, Geri Wainwright. “She should still be here.”