‘Mastermind’ gang leader sent to prison for teen death, Macon prosecutor says

A gang leader who killed a teenager and recruited kids in Bibb County schools was sentenced to prison Tuesday, Macon prosecutors said.

Ishaaq Taylor was given 40 years in prison and 20 years of supervised release after he was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, violating the Street Gang and Terrorism Prevention Act, and possessing a gun as a felon, the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s office said in a news release.

Evidence showed that Taylor, whose age was not shared, founded and led the “Only the Shadows” Crip gang set. The alleged criminal organization operated in Macon, Warner Robins, Hawkinsville and Perry, and intended to expand into Atlanta, according to a news release from prosecutors.

Taylor was “a dangerous criminal mastermind who built and commanded a sophisticated violent organization,” District Attorney Anita Howard said in the release.

He also “actively promoted gang recruitment within Bibb County Schools,” the DA’s office said.

The gang had levels such as “shooters” at the top, “steppers” below Taylor, and “general membership” at the bottom, according to the district attorney’s office.

Three co-defendants who also faced charges refused to testify at trial because “Taylor instilled a fear of retribution,” the district attorney’s office said.

Evidence found that Taylor retaliated against someone who allegedly shot up his car, and he was found guilty of fatally shooting 18-year-old Shamarian “Bobby” Chatfield on Oct. 12, 2021, according to the news release.

“A significant threat to public safety has been eliminated,” her office said.

This story was originally published November 12, 2025 at 11:05 AM.