Jerry Rhodes Obituary, Death; – A woman from Milwaukee and her son are facing several felony charges related to a fatal home invasion at a senior living facility that resulted in the death of a 70-year-old man, as reported by prosecutors.
Melanie Yvette Taylor, aged 52, along with her son Isiah Taylor, aged 34, have been charged in connection with the death of Jerry Rhodes on April 25 at the Plymouth Apartments, a secured retirement community located in Milwaukee’s Hillside neighborhood.
The mother is charged with felony murder and armed robbery, while her son was charged in May with first-degree reckless homicide and armed robbery.
Prosecutors state that the duo entered Rhodes’ apartment shortly after midnight, where they came across Rhodes and his nephew.
Surveillance footage captured the suspects arriving in a white Nissan Altima before they entered the building on West Galena Street.
The victim’s nephew informed investigators that he was asleep on the couch when he was awakened by the suspects, who were reportedly armed.
Court documents indicate that Isiah Taylor repeatedly struck and stomped on Rhodes while his mother was present. As the nephew pleaded with them to cease their actions, Isiah Taylor allegedly remarked, “You gon’ learn!” The suspects subsequently stole Rhodes’ television and the nephew’s cellphone before fleeing, with surveillance video documenting them transporting the TV to their vehicle.
Before departing, they purportedly threatened to “come back 50 deep.” “It’s absurd that this is occurring in a gated community like this, where all residents are seniors,” neighbor Johnny Watson expressed to 12 News following the incident. “We cannot feel secure in our own homes.”
Investigators were able to identify the suspects through surveillance footage, anonymous tips, cell tower data, and fingerprint evidence discovered on the stolen television, which was later retrieved from a residence in Waukesha.
If found guilty, Melanie Taylor could face a maximum of 30 years in prison for the felony murder charge, along with an additional 40 years for armed robbery.
