It was one of the saddest stories ever in sports. Sean Taylor, a young and talented safety on the Washingtn Redskins, was brutally murdered in his own home. Police believed the 24-year-old was a victim of an attempted robbery that went wrong. Four men were arrested in connection to the death of Taylor. Finally, almost six years to the anniversary of his passing, one of the four men was convicted of second degree murder and armed burglary.
Eric Rivera Jr. confessed to police days after the crime that he was responsible. Rivera was only seventeen at the time and later recanted his confession saying that he was coerced by police. In his confession, he stated that he had no intention of killing Taylor and did not expect him to be home as the Redskins had a game in Tampa Bay. Unfortunately, Taylor was home nursing a knee injury. Taylor was shot in his Palmetto Bay, Florida residence. His girlfriend and 18 month old daughter were also in the residence, but were not harmed during the burglary.
Taylor’s home was burglarized eight days earlier to his death when he was not there. Taylor was shot in the femoral artery and was alive while he was airlifted to the hospital. He had lost a significant amount of blood, but survived emergency surgery, only to slip into a coma. He passed away only three hours after surgery. In honor of Taylor, the Redskins only sent out ten players on defense in their opening game against the Buffalo Bills, leaving an open spot for Taylor. RIP Sean Taylor. Glad to see you and your family are finally getting justice.
