Challenges in the Life of Sean Taylor in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Sean Taylor. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Sean Taylor was an American professional football safety who played for the Washington Redskins in the NFL. Drafted fifth overall in 2004, he played four seasons before his tragic death in 2007. He was a highly regarded player known for his athleticism and hard-hitting style of play, quickly becoming a key player for the Redskins.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

March 2005: Acquittal and Conviction in DWI Case

In March 2005, Sean Taylor was acquitted of a DWI charge by a Fairfax County judge who viewed a videotape of the sobriety tests and found them inconclusive. However, in March 2005, Taylor was convicted for refusing to take a blood alcohol test, but this conviction was later overturned on appeal due to a lack of probable cause.

June 2005: Police Seek Taylor in Shooting Incident

In June 2005, police sought Sean Taylor following a shooting incident involving a stolen vehicle.

November 11, 2005: NFL Fine for Uniform Violation

On November 11, 2005, Sean Taylor was fined $5,000 by the NFL for violating the league's uniform code by wearing non-regulation socks during a game.

April 2006: No Contest Plea to Misdemeanor Charges

In April 2006, Sean Taylor pled no contest to misdemeanor battery and assault charges. He was placed on 18 months probation and ordered to support ten Miami-Dade County schools by speaking about the importance of education and donating $1,000 to each school.

November 26, 2007: Taylor Shot by Home Intruder

On November 26, 2007, Sean Taylor was shot in the leg by a home intruder while investigating noises at his house. His femoral artery was severed, leading to extensive blood loss. His fiancée and daughter were unharmed.

April 7, 2008: Trial Postponed

The trial for the men charged with Sean Taylor's murder, originally scheduled for April 7, 2008, was postponed to June 2009. The postponement was requested by the defense, citing the need to interview hundreds of potential witnesses.

May 12, 2008: Suspects Avoid Death Penalty

On May 12, 2008, it was announced that the suspects in Sean Taylor's murder would not face the death penalty but could be subjected to life imprisonment because the suspected gunman, Eric Rivera, was 17 at the time of the shooting.

May 15, 2008: Vunjah Hunte Accepts Plea Deal

On May 15, 2008, Venjah Hunte, one of the five suspects in Sean Taylor's murder, accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to 29 years in prison.

May 2008: Fifth Suspect Charged in Taylor's Murder

In May 2008, a fifth suspect, 16-year-old Timothy Brown, was charged with first-degree murder and burglary in connection to Sean Taylor's death. The murder charges for all suspects were subsequently increased to first-degree murder.

June 9, 2009: Trial Delayed Again

On June 9, 2009, the trial for Sean Taylor's murder was delayed for a third time for unspecified reasons. A new trial date was set for January 18, 2010.

June 2009: Murder Trial Postponed

In June 2009, the trial of the men charged with Sean Taylor's murder was postponed from April 7, 2008, to June 2009.

January 18, 2010: Trial Date Set and Postponed Again

On January 18, 2010, a new trial date was set for the Sean Taylor murder case, but it was subsequently postponed again with a new date of March 14, 2011.

March 14, 2011: Trial Date Postponed Again

On March 14, 2011, the Sean Taylor murder trial was postponed again, with a new trial date set for January 30, 2012.

January 20, 2012: Trial Date Set for Eric Rivera Jr.

On January 20, 2012, a judge set a trial date of April 16 for Eric Rivera Jr., the alleged gunman in Sean Taylor's case.

January 30, 2012: Trial Date Set Again

On January 30, 2012, after multiple delays, the Sean Taylor murder trial was set to begin.

April 2, 2013: Trial Again Postponed

On April 2, 2013, the trial for Eric Rivera Jr. was again postponed to August 12 of that year.

April 5, 2013: Rivera's Trial Postponed to August

On April 5, 2013, the trial for Eric Rivera Jr., the alleged gunman in Sean Taylor's murder, was postponed to August 12 due to a scheduling conflict with the chief prosecutor.