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Ethan Parrish, left, and Stephanie Reynolds, right

With 17-year-old defendant Joey Parrish’s claim that he was not the trigger man in the shooting death of Tahliek Taliaferro, attention shifts to Ethan Parrish and Stephanie Reynolds, above.
(photos above by Lindy Keast Rodman)


Attorney says 17-year-old charged with murder was not the shooter

By Roslyn Ryan
Editor


Jul 03, 2008

In a statement released this morning, the attorney for the teen charged in the murder of Tahliek Taliaferro said his client did not fire the shots that killed the 18-year-old Powhatan High School student.

Attorney Jason Moore said that, contrary to statements made earlier this week by Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Beasley, his client, Joseph Parrish, 17, left, was not the shooter in the June 24 incident that also left another teenager seriously wounded.

Moore said Beasley made his statement based on the facts that were available at the time, but that more information has come to light since then.

Concerning threats that have been directed towards Parrish’s family, Moore said that people should avoid making judgments until they hear the facts of the case themselves.

“The media and public should avoid speculation, and allow the criminal justice system to run its course,” said Moore.  “Judgment in this matter should be withheld until the investigation is completed and all parties have exercised their rights under the criminal justice system.”

Moore was appointed as Parrish’s attorney by the court on Monday. He had previously represented the teen in a juvenile court matter.

It was also determined Monday that Parrish will be tried as an adult on first degree murder and malicious wounding charges.

His cousin Ethan Parrish, 24, and Stephanie Reynolds, 19, are facing the same charges stemming from Taliaferro’s death.

All three are being held without bond and are expected to appear in court on August 27 for a preliminary hearing.



(52) CommentsEmail This Article

Reader Comments
by Powhatan-Rob of Powhatan Jul. 10, 2008, 12:58 PM

The gun was an SKS assault rifle.  It was the military weapon of choice just before the introduction of the AK-47.  The Russian engineered SKS is ballistically comparable to a 30-30.  The AK-47 is chambered for a .223


by Pat Jul. 10, 2008, 11:59 AM

Eugene - I am BLACK!!!  And also have a doctorate degree in psychology, so I am fairly confident that I can read above a third grade level.  I hate, with a passion, our people using racism as an excuse for every bad thing that happens between blacks and whites. 
I dont know anyone involved - I am not related in any way and presently reside in Chesterfield, not Tennessee.  I have been following this blog from the beginning, sitting back and reading everyone’s comments as they were posted.  I agree with you that this should never have happened, without a doubt in my mind.  But I strongly feel that the families should be left out of it - you may not have posted implications of threats, but others have - go back and re-read this blog and others posted in response to other articles on this website.  You have personally called the family racist - both the Goochland Parrish’s and the Powhatan Parrish’s.
And - you have in fact claimed racism - go back in re-read your blogs!!!  I dont personally care if you are black, white, orange or yellow - I have done so much research on racism and it makes me sick -

I feel most sad for the poor boy who survived this as he has been thru so much, and not one person seems to be at all focused on what he has gone experienced in the past few weeks or the battle he will face in the upcoming years emotionally.


by Eugene of Goochland Jul. 10, 2008, 11:39 AM

Pat… What the hell are you talking about?  I have never threatened anyone on this blogs.  Further, I haven’t misspelled any words, so are you illiterate or you just don’t know how to read above a third grade level?  If Jennifer or you read all my posts, you would have concluded that I haven’t played the race card because I’M WHITE!!!!!!!!!!!  I am from this area, born and raised, are you Jennifer from Tennessee or Pat?  Check her spelling and grammar.  Don’t try to insult me because I don’t agree with you.  I know the sentiment of the people of this area…do you?  So stop the BS.  Let me say this slow so you both can understand the word out of my mouth….  “What ever Tahliek Taliaferro’s done…He didn’t deserve to be killed with an assault rifle!!!” I would say the same if the decease was white and the assailant was black.  It is a hateful act that is racially motivated.  If not, then explain to me why it isn’t, since you guys seem to know more then the rest of us? 

Pat, I going to pray for you, because apparently you thought I was black and use race as an excuse…I guess we know who is the real racist.


by Pat Jul. 10, 2008, 11:26 AM

Eugene - why is no one raising money for the poor boy who survived?  Why is ALL the attention focused on ONE VICTIM?  The other one is going to have a slew of medical bills, therapy, etc. - BUT NO ONE IS MENTIONING ANY OF THIS - That raises another good question - ask yourself this:  Why is this whole incident only focused on the one that was killed?  It’s all about Tahliek - what about the others in the car with him who are certainly up for their own emotional battles - where is their support?  Were the others white, so they dont matter???

True, no one should have been killed, it is a senseless death without question.  But it did happen and everyone needs to start the healing process - just dont forget about the others that have suffered also.


by Jennifer of Tennessee Jul. 10, 2008, 10:46 AM

pat - Thank you for saying that about the rascism because it is totally true. If the situation was turned around things would be different.

It’s not a rascism issue, and if you REALLY knew the Parrish family, you WOULD know that.


by pat Jul. 10, 2008, 10:19 AM

No one is trying to convince anyone of anything either Eugene - and I dont know any involved in this mess - all I am saying is I completely agree with Darla - the slander and threats against the families need to STOP!!!!  And if you want to convince the world of your “intellect”, the try proofreading what you type and use spellcheck for God’s sake!!!  And why do you keep pulling the race card?  Why is it that every time an African American is killed or injured by a white person - it’s an act of racism???  But when a white person is killed by an African American you dont hear the word ever mentioned?  Stop using that as an excuse - it’s getting old -


by Jennifer of Tennessee Jul. 10, 2008, 10:03 AM

I’m not trying to convince anyone. I’m just telling you, no one needs to jump on into more conclusions and you all need to slow down and WAIT for the court system to take care of this.


by Eugene of Goochland Jul. 9, 2008, 05:36 PM

Ok...it was an assault rifle, what’s the difference?  It is sad when I read the excuses many are trying to convince readers on this blog.  It is silly and insulting to most people intellect if you are one of those who believe that there is more to this story; and that some how Tahliek Taliaferro is responsible for his death...how insulting and disrespectful this is to the Taliaferros.  No matter what isn’t known by all, no one deserve to be killed with an assault rifle, Powhtan is not Iraq!!! That is the only truth that should come out!  I just feel sad that in 2008, we don’t take any responsibility of the racism we had created in these counties.  Its sad!!! Those who wish to join me in raising money for the Taliaferros, meet me in front of the pool at RCC tomorrow at 4:00 pm


by Darla Jul. 9, 2008, 03:11 PM

Evidently there is a whole lot to this story that has not been made public yet - perhaps we should all wait and see what comes of this before we start casting judgment on anyone.  It is my understanding that NO ONE is 100% innocent of the events that took place - it’s just so unfortunate that there was a death and an injury.  I know the whole town is suffering - but there is no reason for all the back & forth I have been reading, casting blame and slandering families that didnt themselves have anything to do with this.  I feel badly for the Parrish’s and feel worse for the families of the victims - but the families of the accused did not do this - leave them alone - I am sure they are suffering thru this also. 

It is unrealistic to cast stones at them, as there is no way any member of that family is proud of what happened - I am sure they are feeling sorrow also. 

SOMEONE knows something more, and it will eventually come out.  So until all the facts are in - lets stop this “white against black” and family against family BS.

But if it makes you feel better to threaten and blame the families, then it just shows your undenyable immaturity and your inability to deal with a situation in an adult manner.  If you feel like acting like a child, then go to the playground!!!!


by D Jul. 9, 2008, 01:45 PM

E,
facts are it wasn’t an AK-47.  And by the way racism is not one sided.


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