CALLAHAN, Fla. – The family of a woman who was shot and left paralyzed following a nearly fatal, life-altering case of mistaken identity is asking for the public’s help.
The shooting happened back in February on Post Street near McDuff Avenue. According to court documents, Taylor was a passenger in a car when she was shot in the neck by Latorray Collins, 39.
Taylor’s family told News4JAX that Collins mistook Taylor for another woman she was trying to confront. The shooting left Taylor paralyzed from the neck down.
Eight months following that life-altering incident, Taylor’s family said they are struggling to keep a roof over their head.
“I had to quit my job in April to be a full-time caretaker,” said Taylor’s husband, Tony Taylor.
He said that while health insurance covers most of his wife’s medical costs, bills continue to pile up.
“Everything we saved has gone to keeping our household afloat. Almost instantly, unless you got $100,000 in the bank. In one month, you’re one paycheck away from being wiped out,” said Taylor’s husband.
The family needs a large van that can safely accommodate Latasha’s wheelchair, but they can’t afford one on top of the cost of paying the mortgage, utilities, and other expenses. What little money they still have goes towards renting a van to transport her from their homes in Callahan to her doctor’s appointments in Jacksonville.
“It costs $160 a day to rent a vehicle. It’s a lot, especially when you’re unemployed,” said Taylor’s husband.
The family has set up this Spotfund account with the hope that people will donate what they can to help.
As for Collins, the woman accused of shooting and altering Taylor’s life, her trial is scheduled to begin in January. She faces one count of attempted murder.