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.
Ethan Parker 
A Tuscaloosa County judge has authorized the involuntary medication of a 41-year-old capital murder suspect, ruling that the inmate’s increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior inside the county jail poses a severe threat to both himself and staff.
Escalating Jail House Crisis
Circuit Judge Allen May issued the order Friday following alarming reports from medical staff regarding Matthew Taylor, who is currently held in a solo cell on suicide watch. Dr. Marisa G. Giggie documented a string of disturbing incidents, including Taylor consuming his own feces and smearing it across his cell walls. The inmate has also repeatedly refused oral medication and skipped most of his daily meals.
During a recent standoff, correctional officers were forced to intervene when Taylor refused to leave his cell for cleaning. Even after the deployment of OC Powder—a chemical defense spray—Taylor remained agitated, reportedly showing no reaction to the irritant while thrashing and sustaining self-inflicted cuts on metal furniture. Officers ultimately secured him with a shield, allowing a nurse to administer an emergency injection containing Haldol, Ativan, and Benadryl.
The Crime
Taylor stands accused of the tragic shooting death of 27-year-old nurse Ada Doss. The incident occurred in the parking lot of DCH Regional Medical Center, where Doss had only been employed for a few months. Authorities state that Taylor, who had no prior connection to the victim, approached Doss while she was heading to her car during a shift change, demanded her keys, and ultimately shot her once.
Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Jack Kennedy noted that Taylor had attempted to rob another woman on the hospital campus shortly before the shooting, but that individual managed to drive away. Investigators revealed that Taylor had been dropped off at the hospital earlier that day by a family friend because he claimed he needed help, though he never entered the facility, choosing instead to loiter on the grounds for hours.
Legal Status
While police and investigators believe Taylor exhibits symptoms of mental illness, Judge May cited U.S. Supreme Court precedent in authorizing the jail's mental health team to administer necessary treatment. Taylor is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on June 15.
