Judge orders suspect in Alabama nurse’s murder to be involuntarily medicated after shocking behavior in jail
He was observed consuming feces and has become increasingly "more dangerous and problematic," according to the doctor treating him.
Mason Reed 
A Tuscaloosa County judge has authorized the involuntary medication of a 41-year-old capital murder suspect, ruling the inmate poses a significant danger to both himself and others following a series of disturbing incidents in jail.
Inmate's Bizarre Behavior
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Judge Allen May issued the order on Friday regarding Matthew Taylor, who is currently being held in a solo cell on suicide watch. Taylor is accused of the fatal shooting of 27-year-old nurse Ada Doss during a robbery in the DCH Regional Medical Center parking lot.
According to court filings, physician Dr. Marisa G. Giggie documented highly erratic behavior, including Taylor consuming feces and smearing it throughout his cell. When correctional officers attempted to clean the area, Taylor refused to vacate his cell, requiring the use of a chemical defense spray. Dr. Giggie noted that Taylor appeared largely unaffected by the chemical agent while thrashing around, sustaining multiple cuts from his metal bed frame in the unsanitary environment.
To regain control, officers used a shield to pin Taylor, allowing a nurse to administer an emergency injection of Haldol, Ativan, and Benadryl. Medical staff reported that Taylor frequently refuses two of his three daily meals and consistently rejects prescribed oral medications. He has also been observed rocking back and forth while appearing visibly and verbally distressed.
The Murder Investigation
The tragic shooting occurred just after 4 p.m. on a Tuesday. According to the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, Taylor had no prior connection to Doss. TCVU Capt. Jack Kennedy stated that Doss, who had begun working at the hospital months earlier, was walking to her vehicle during a shift change when she was approached by Taylor.
Investigators say Taylor brandished a handgun and demanded the victim’s keys. Despite Doss continuing toward her car with the weapon pointed at her, Taylor followed and shot her one time. Following the shooting, Taylor allegedly rifled through the victim’s belongings and entered her vehicle. Authorities believe he had attempted to rob another woman moments earlier, but that victim managed to drive away safely.
Prior to the attack, Taylor had reportedly requested a family friend drop him off at the hospital because he “needed help.” However, instead of seeking care, he loitered on the campus for several hours. “Our investigation and his own statements lead us to believe he has symptoms of mental illness,” Kennedy noted.
Following the judge’s ruling, which cites U.S. Supreme Court standards regarding inmate safety, mental health staff are now permitted to administer necessary medications. Taylor remains in custody, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 15.
