Garner convicted felon sentenced to almost 12 years in prison for gun possession after multi-county high speed chase (DOJ)

NEW BERN, N.C. - A federal judge sentenced Murad Terrell Taylor, 26, of Garner, to over eleven and a half years in federal prison for possessing a gun as a convicted felon. Taylor pleaded guilty on July 15, 2026.

"This gun toting convicted felon will no longer terrorize the Johnston County community. His long rap sheet is a proof of his disregard for the law and the families and children in this community," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. "By the grace of God, he didn't kill his victim, even though he tried. He can spend the next eleven and a half years peering through the cold bars of a federal prison cell to think about behaving in society."

On September 5, 2025, Johnston County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a report that a driver fired a gun at another car traveling along Veterans Parkway in Garner in a road rage frenzy. The bullet smashed through the front passenger door and, thankfully, did not injure the other driver. The victim provided deputies with the suspect vehicle's license plate number.

"This case demonstrates what local and federal partners achieve together for Johnston County. From response to prosecution, it was a team effort, and I thank the District Attorney's Office and Dangerous Offenders Task Force for holding this offender accountable," said Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell. "Following his state trial for shooting at a victim, Taylor's 137-month federal sentence adds crucial accountability. Cooperation between state and federal authorities remains one of our strongest tools against violent crime, ensuring those who endanger our community are taken off the streets."

"This case demonstrates the Johnston County District Attorney's Office's commitment, through our Dangerous Offenders Task Force, to pursuing every appropriate avenue to protect the public. Following a Johnston County trial, Taylor received a lengthy active prison sentence for shooting at an innocent victim, and his federal firearms conviction represents an additional measure of accountability," said Johnston County District Attorney Jason Waller. "Cooperation between state and federal authorities is an important tool in addressing violent crime. Our priority is keeping those who pose the greatest threat off our streets and making our communities safer for all."

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The ATF and Johnston County Sheriff's Office investigated the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North CarolinaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-269-FL.