DA: Macon gang leader sentenced to 60 years in 2021 killing of 18-year-old Shamarian Chatfield
Prosecutors say 30-year-old Ishaaq Taylor, founder of the “Only the Shadows” Crip gang, shot and killed 18-year-old Shamarian “Bobby” Chatfield in a 2021 retaliation attack.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The leader of a violent Middle Georgia gang has been sentenced to 60 years, with 40 to serve, in the 2021 murder of 18-year-old Shamarian “Bobby” Chatfield.
According to the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, 30-year-old Ishaaq Taylor, founder of the “Only the Shadows” Crip gang, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Taylor shot Chatfield in the back during a gang retaliation incident at the Marathon gas station on Napier Avenue on October 12, 2021.
Evidence showed Taylor had been searching for the person he believed shot up his car for nearly four hours before killing Chatfield, who was associated with a rival gang called the “Green Team.” Investigators determined Chatfield was not the original target.
District Attorney Anita Howard said Taylor’s removal from the community marks a major step in reducing gang violence across Middle Georgia.
“Ishaaq Taylor was not just another gang member,” Howard said in the release. “He was a dangerous criminal mastermind who built and commanded a sophisticated violent organization. Getting this dangerous leader off our streets makes our entire community safer.”
The DA’s Office said Taylor’s influence was so strong that three co-defendants refused to testify against him, citing fear of retribution. Investigators found that Taylor’s gang operated with a military-like structure and expanded through Macon, Warner Robins, Hawkinsville and Perry, with plans to reach Atlanta.
Howard also warned parents that Taylor had promoted gang recruitment within Bibb County Schools. She urged families to stay alert and work with law enforcement to protect children.
Other defendants in the case were also sentenced for violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act:
- Rashawn Taylor: 20 years, serving seven
- Antonio King: 20 years, serving 10
- James Tolliver: 20 years, serving seven
All four defendants waived their rights to appeal.
The DA’s Office credited Chief Assistant District Attorney Tony May, ADA Kayla Callaway, and Bibb County Sheriff’s Sergeant Malcom Bryant for their work on the case, calling Bryant’s efforts “critical” in securing the convictions.
