In Loving Memory of Evan Taylor
The Shepherdstown community and Shepherd University are mourning the heartbreaking loss of 19-year-old Evan Taylor, a student whose life was tragically cut short in an off-campus shooting early Friday morning. The shocking news has left friends, family, classmates, and faculty grappling with grief and seeking solace after such a devastating event.
The Tragic Incident
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 3:38 a.m. on February 13, 2026, to University Heights Apartments on Hensel Drive following reports of a shooting. Callers reported a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside an apartment, while the suspect fled the scene on foot.
When law enforcement arrived, they found Evan Taylor inside the apartment, and despite immediate efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses provided descriptions of the suspect, which were quickly broadcast to responding units.
Swift Response and Investigation
Officers from the Shepherd University Police Department, including Officer Adam Letts, reviewed surveillance footage and observed a male matching the suspect’s description entering university property shortly after the shooting. The individual, later identified as 25-year-old Travis Smith, was tracked to the H Lot parking area, where he entered a vehicle.
Officer Letts, alongside Officer Ricketts, detained Smith in the parking lot, recovering a loaded Glock handgun from his person. Following thorough investigation — including crime scene processing, witness interviews, and additional review of surveillance footage — Smith was charged with the murder of Evan Taylor. Authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to Shepherd University, ensuring the campus remains safe for students and staff.
Remembering Evan Taylor
Evan Taylor, at only 19 years old, was a young man full of potential, hope, and ambition. As a student at Shepherd University, he had embarked on a journey toward a bright future, with dreams, friendships, and opportunities ahead of him. Those who knew Evan describe him as intelligent, kind-hearted, and full of life — a presence that brought joy, laughter, and camaraderie to those around him.
Friends and classmates have shared heartfelt memories, recounting Evan’s warm personality, his passion for learning, and the encouragement he offered to peers. While his life was tragically brief, the impact he made on the people who knew him will remain enduring. Evan’s memory lives on in the stories, laughter, and love shared by those whose lives he touched.
A Community in Mourning
The loss of a young life in such violent circumstances resonates far beyond family and friends. Shepherd University and the Shepherdstown community have come together in mourning, offering support to each other during this difficult time. Faculty, students, and staff have shared messages of grief, solidarity, and remembrance, honoring Evan’s life and the legacy of kindness he left behind.
The university leadership emphasized the importance of community support and mental health resources, encouraging anyone struggling with grief or distress to seek help. The Shepherd University Police Department continues to work closely with law enforcement to provide transparency and reassurance to the campus community.
Honoring Evan’s Life
Evan Taylor’s life, though tragically brief, was meaningful and impactful. His laughter, ambition, and kindness touched countless people, and his presence will be sorely missed. In the face of tragedy, his family, friends, and community honor him by cherishing memories, holding tight to love, and committing to keep his spirit alive through their actions and hearts.
May Evan Taylor rest in eternal peace, and may those who loved him find strength and comfort in the enduring memory of his life.
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
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