13-year-old charged in shooting death of Canton teen

CANTON — A 13-year-old boy has been charged in the shooting death of another juvenile at a residence here earlier this month.

Tristin Johnson, 13, was arrested and charged in the shooting death of 15-year-old Larry Taylor, according to Police Chief Otha Brown.

Johnson has been charged with negligence and manslaughter, he said.

Brown said another juvenile, who is also 15 years old, has been charged with accessory after the fact. Brown said he is unable to release this juvenile’s name at this time due to his involvement in youth court.

The charges stem from a call CPD received on Friday, Oct. 6, at about 6 p.m. reporting a shooting at a Frost Street residence.

Once officers arrived on scene, Brown said they found Taylor who had been shot in his side.

According to Brown, the suspects were charged later that evening when they were brought in for questioning.

The case will be handed over to the Madison County District Attorney’s Office.

Taylor was a student at Porter Middle School. The Canton Public School District released this statement on Monday, Oct. 9, in regards to his death that said:

“The Canton Public School District Family extends its heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Porter Middle School student Larry Taylor. You are in our prayers as we mourn with you over the loss of your loved one.”