4-year-old boy Milwaukee killed, accused father testifies at trial
Ralph Taylor, accused of killing his 4-year-old son, testifies at trial on March 11, 2026.
MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee man is accused of shooting and killing his 4-year-old son last summer. Now, it will be up to a jury to decide whether he's guilty of first-degree intentional homicide.
The backstory:
The 4-year-old Ralph Taylor III was shot in the head at close range at his home near 75th and Northridge Lakes last July. His father, Ralph Taylor, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and felony weapon possession.
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Prosecutors said Taylor was drunk, upset and arguing with his wife – who told him she did not want Taylor in their son's life. The boy's mother, Casandra Taylor, is charged with child neglect and straw purchasing a firearm.
What they're saying:
Taylor took the stand in his own defense on Wednesday, March 11. He admitted that he tried to cover it up and lied to police, saying the bullet came from outside and faking outrage about what happened.
Milwaukee 4-year-old boy fatally shot, child's parents accused
Two people are now charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a 4-year-old boy at an apartment near 75th and Northridge Lakes, just north of Brown Deer Road in Milwaukee.
"Was it after you became concerned about having that gun you weren't supposed to have, that you came up with this story?" asked Kerri Cleghorn, Taylor's defense attorney.
"You’re thinking about yourself and not your own flesh and blood in that moment?" asked Matthew Torbenson, Milwaukee County District Attorney.
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Taylor replied "yes" to both questions.
Taylor also admitted to recklessly handling the gun. His defense attorney said the boy's death was reckless but not intentional.
What's next:
The jury will resume its deliberations on Thursday morning, March 12.
The Source: FOX6 News was in court and referenced information from the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office, Wisconsin Circuit Court and prior coverage of the case.