Pine Bluff community searching for answers and accountability in Maurice Taggart death investigation

Pine Bluff, Arkansas – The city of Pine Bluff is grappling with a profound tragedy—the death of Maurice Taggart, former director of the Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency. The community’s sense of loss is palpable, matched only by the profound grief of Taggart’s family. Nearly two months have passed since that fateful night, yet questions and emotions continue to swirl, leaving a family and a city searching for answers and justice.

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In the early hours of August 30, a distressing incident shook Hillcroft Street in Pine Bluff. Around 2:00 a.m., the local police responded to a reported shooting involving a father and son. They discovered Maurice Taggart, 43, and his son, Justice Taggart, 26, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Maurice succumbed to his injuries, while Justice was left in stable condition.

Activist Mark Cannon encapsulated the community’s sentiments, stating, “At the end of the day, Maurice Taggart was a human being, just as we all are, and what happened to him is a travesty and a tragedy.”

In the wake of this tragic incident, a press conference on the steps of the Jefferson County courthouse brought to light the family’s and activists’ growing concerns. They questioned the police report and called for the resignation of several city officials, including the chief of police and the county prosecutor.

Cedric Taggart, Maurice’s brother, expressed a deep desire for a more thorough investigation, emphasizing, “What I want is Maurice Taggart’s justice; that’s all I care about.”

The family appears divided in their perspectives. While Cedric seeks further investigation, Tiffany Taggart, Maurice’s sister, expressed trust in the justice system and the police investigation. She broke her silence during the press conference, highlighting the pain the situation has caused and her belief in the truth eventually prevailing.

Madison Taggart, Maurice’s daughter, shared her personal anguish, highlighting the deep personal loss of her father. She yearns for the community to move on and lay to rest the rumors surrounding her father’s death. “My dad was my everything, and we were super close,” she lamented, expressing the pain of losing a parent and a guide in life.

Pine Bluff, a tight-knit community, continues to mourn the loss of a prominent figure. As the town grapples with the complexities of this case, the pursuit of truth and justice remains paramount. The story of Maurice Taggart is more than a news item; it’s a reflection of a family’s grief, a community’s search for answers, and the universal longing for justice in the face of tragedy.