Shortly after midnight on Friday 13 March, she was in bed with her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, watching a film when they heard a banging on the door.
Plainclothes Louisville police officers were carrying out a narcotics raid, and they used a battering ram to enter the property.
A judge had granted a warrant to search Ms Taylor's home because investigators suspected a convicted drug dealer - her ex-boyfriend, Jamarcus Glover - was using the address to receive packages. She had no criminal record.
Mr Walker, a licensed gun owner, later told police he thought the late-night intruder was Glover, according to the New York Times.
Mr Walker fired one round with his pistol, hitting one of the officers in the thigh. The officers returned fire, discharging more than 20 rounds.
Ms Taylor, who had also got out of bed amid the commotion, died on the hallway floor. Her death certificate records five bullet wounds.
The Louisville police officers were executing a "no-knock" warrant that allowed them to enter the property without announcing themselves.
Mr Walker and nearly a dozen local residents told local media that the officers had not identified themselves. But one neighbour said he heard one or more officers shout: "Police."
No drugs were found at the property, though Jefferson County prosecutor Thomas Wine has said the search was cancelled after the shooting.
What did the cops do wrong? They executed a search warrant, were fired upon and returned fired. Was it the excessive use of firearms i.e. so many shots fired? The no-knock warrant?
I know the lady was a decent lady but they were looking for her drug dealer ex-boyfriend.
There is a decision today on whether the cops are charged and the city is braced for trouble.
Anybody who has more info on the above?
