A woman in Florida has been arrested for allegedly shooting a female passenger in a car driven by her ex-boyfriend. Authorities identified the suspect as 38-year-old Latorray Collins, who was taken into custody by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, February 16. She remains in custody as of Wednesday, February 19, and has been charged with attempted second-degree murder.
According to reports, Collins’ ex-boyfriend told police that their relationship had ended just days before the incident. He also stated that he was in an intimate relationship with the shooting victim, identified by family members as 42-year-old Latasha Taylor. On the day of the incident, Collins reportedly called and texted her ex-boyfriend multiple times, asking him to pick up his belongings from her home. He told her to throw them away instead. Later that day, he and Taylor, along with some of her family members, stopped at a liquor store before heading to another location.
While they were driving in separate cars, Collins allegedly caught up to them at a red light and pulled her vehicle in front of Taylor’s car. The ex-boyfriend backed up and drove around her vehicle, but Collins managed to catch up again at another stoplight. She then exited her car and knocked on Taylor’s car window. Taylor asked Collins who she was, leading to a verbal confrontation. Moments later, Collins’ ex-boyfriend reported hearing a loud noise before Taylor collapsed to the ground. A .380 caliber shell was recovered from the scene.
The victim’s husband, Tony Taylor, shared that he and Latasha were preparing to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary before the shooting occurred. He described her as a compassionate person who had helped him through a difficult time in his life. Tony also stated that Latasha had stepped out of the car to de-escalate the argument between Collins and her ex-boyfriend when she was shot.
Despite the severity of her injuries, Latasha’s family reported that she was making progress in her recovery. They initially feared she would not survive past Saturday, but she continues to fight for her life. Collins is currently awaiting trial and is scheduled to appear in the Duval County Courthouse on March 11.
