NJ College Student, Wall HS Grad, Dies After Being Shot In Nashville

NASHVILLE, TN — A much-loved teen from Wall has died from injuries in a shooting in Nashville, where she attended school at Belmont University, Metro Nashville police said on Thursday.

Jillian Ludwig, 18, was shot Tuesday by a stray bullet from a nearby shooting while walking on the track in Edgehill Community Memorial Gardens Park Tuesday afternoon, according to police.

The suspect, 29-year-old Shaquille Taylor, had been charged with aggravated assault and evidence tampering. Nashville police are now considering "modified charges," they said Thursday.

He is accused of shooting at a car from public housing across the street from the park, with a bullet hitting Ludwig in the head, police said. Taylor's bond has been set at $280,000, according to police. He has remained in custody.

Ludwig, a 2023 Wall High School graduate, was a young musician whose goal had been to "Play It Forward," as her many social media posts about her charity performances attest.

The Wall community gathered for a prayer vigil Wednesday night, at the request of the family.

Supporters came together at the North Wall Little League Complex in Wall to "pray for a much-needed miracle," friends of the family said.

"As I write this, Jillian Ludwig is in a fight for her life," the family friends said.

"As friends who love the Ludwigs - Matt, Jess, Jillian, Shane and Trevor, we are holding a prayer vigil to pray for a much-needed miracle," they said.

Ludwig, who graduated from Wall High School in 2023, had a love of music and the music community, according to her Facebook site.

Wall school board member Ralph Addonizio said, although he did not know her, he has had heard her described as "almost like an angel."

Ludwig was a student at the Lakehouse Music Academy in Asbury Park while she was in Monmouth County, and school representatives said in a statement they were "devastated."

"Jillian Ludwig is not only an accomplished musician but also a beloved member of our Lakehouse family. We are devastated by the news of this unimaginable event that has occurred. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her loved ones during this difficult time," the school said on Wednesday.

The Wall school district also responded:

"Wall Township Public Schools was made aware this morning of the news regarding our recent graduate and we are deeply saddened. Our thoughts are with her and her family during this difficult time. Support and resources have been and will continue to be available for students and staff impacted by this event," said Tracy Handerhan, Superintendent of Schools.

With an extended weekend coming up, the district counseling staff is offering resources students and the community can access if needed. See a letter from Handerhan that cites the resources.

A vigil was also held earlier in the day at Belmont University in Nashville, where she is a freshman studying music.

Here is some insight into Jillian Ludwig, as she discussed her goals on Facebook:

"I am seeking opportunities to give back to the musical community and to those in need by playing at local businesses and events. With ‘Playing it Forward,’ my goal is to play music locally in order to raise money for some charities and to support others in need," she explains on her site.

She is pictured performing with her guitar in many spots along the Jersey Shore - at locations in Asbury Park and other Shore towns.

"Let me tell you a bit about myself. I am a 17-year-old senior at Wall High School (she said in August 2022) and I have been playing music for as long as I can remember. At school, I am in the WHS Marching Band and Jazz Band playing oboe and saxophone, and I’m a member of the National Music Honor Society.

"Outside of school, I am a student at Lakehouse Music Academy and a member of two local rock bands, Arcadia and Good Morning Beautiful, where I sing and play guitar and bass," her post says.

As a teen she offered to play hour-long sets to entertain at local businesses and donate her tips or other monies restaurants raised to charity.

"Bottom line is that music is my passion, and I’d like to channel that passion and my musical talents into doing something good for others," she says.

"By playing my music locally, I will be able to offer these organizations financial support and also help spread awareness and advocate for struggling musicians."

This story is being updated.