Former Wilson County Student, Ethen Vanderpool, Involved in High School Shooting Dies in State Custody

A former student of Wilson County, Ethen Vanderpool, who was involved in the 2018 shooting death of a fellow Mt. Juliet High School student, JayShawn Taylor, has passed away while in state custody. 

Vanderpool, who was 15 at the time of the incident, was later convicted of second-degree murder in September 2022 and was serving a 22-year prison sentence at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville.

According to the Tennessee Department of Correction spokesperson Dorinda Carter, Vanderpool had been transferred from the Wilson County Jail to the state prison in February. The cause of his death is yet to be confirmed, pending the medical examiner's review.

The tragic shooting incident occurred during a gathering at Vanderpool's residence, where he, Taylor, and two girls were reportedly experimenting with glue. Court documents revealed that Vanderpool initially displayed concern over Taylor's presence at his home, as indicated by text messages presented during the trial. 

The situation escalated when Vanderpool introduced a firearm, allowing Taylor to handle the weapon, leading to a fatal gunshot during a dispute.

The passing of Vanderpool marks the conclusion of a troubling chapter that has deeply impacted both families and the local community. The Tennessean will continue to provide updates on this developing story.

 

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