A 21-year-old Ocala man was taken into custody on aggravated violence charges after allegedly shooting his stepfather during a domestic altercation at a Marion County home.
On Monday, June 15, 2026, soon after midnight, deputies responded to a residence in the Dunnellon neighborhood after receiving allegations of a shooting. When investigators arrived, they discovered that an argument inside the kitchen had evolved into a physical altercation, with a handgun being discharged.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the victim and the suspect, 21-year-old Malachi Taylor, were in the kitchen when a verbal argument erupted after the victim made comments about Taylor’s weight and made physical contact by pinching his stomach.
According to the investigation, Taylor admits to drawing his pistol during the confrontation. He informed authorities that he intended to fire a “warning shot,” but the round hit the victim in the left forearm. The subject was sent for medical treatment after being shot once and suffering both entry and exit injuries.
Taylor told deputies he thought he was acting in self-defense and tried to help after the shooting. Investigators observed that the victim did not report any threats during the altercation.
The defendant made several and contradictory statements regarding how the pistol was handled, including whether it was directed at the victim or discharged upwards or toward the ceiling. Authorities also said that the firearm was found after being thrown outside the home before law enforcement arrived.
Taylor was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail. He is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, which is a felony.
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