Montgomery man faces life in prison for attempted murder, illegal possession of gun

A Montgomery man may receive a sentence of life in prison after being found guilty for attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm during an incident at a gas station in 2022. 

According to a statement from Montgomery County District Attorney Azzie Oliver, Maricas Taylor reportedly walked into a Petro Mart convenience store on Fairview Avenue where a "verbal altercation" began with a female cashier. 

Taylor is said to have left but returned 30 minutes later wearing a mask. Video surveillance captured footage of him firing at the cashier, who dodged the shots and avoided injury. 

Taylor left the area but investigators found him and discovered evidence tying him to the shooting. He was found to have been convicted for previous crimes and was prohibited from owning firearms. 

“(Taylor) is a repeat criminal offender who chose to settle a dispute by opening fire inside a neighborhood convenience store," said Oliver. "He endangered innocent lives in a place where employees work hard for a living, and customers expect to feel safe. His reckless and deliberate actions demonstrated a complete disregard for human life and for the law. This verdict holds the defendant accountable for his actions, and reinforces that repeat violent behavior will have serious consequences.”

He is scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 26.