Family of man falsely accused in Brittanee Drexel murder wants justice

GEORGETOWN, S.C. — For years the wrong person was named a suspect in the Drexel disappearance.

Timothy De’Shaun Taylor maintained his innocence this whole time after he was accused shortly after Brittanee disappeared.

Today his family was in the courtroom and his mom spoke outside the courthouse. Taylor’s family was sitting in the first row, right behind Raymond Moody as he pleaded guilty to killing Brittanee Drexel. His mom says their family is still shaken up and that the fight is not over.

More of our coverage:

• Friends of Drexel family reflect on Raymond Moody’s guilty plea (Oct 19)
• Man accused of Brittanee Drexel’s murder pleads guilty Wednesday (Oct 19)
• ‘He’s a demon and a monster’: Victim of Raymond Moody hoping Brittanee Drexel case puts him away for good (May 19)
• Drexel case brings hope to other families of missing kids (May 17)
• Sheriff’s Office says convicted sex offender confessed to murder of Brittanee Drexel (May 13)
• Records show Raymond Moody’s obstruction of justice charge is same date teen was last seen (May 12)

His mom Joan first started by saying today brings justice for the Drexel family and they will forever be in their prayers. She says this day also continues their path toward justice after her son Timothy and husband Shaun were pursued and accused of a crime they did not commit.

She says after years of false allegations the damage has been done and Timothy’s name and face will forever be linked to Brittanee Drexel because of a lie. A jailhouse informant told police he played a part in Drexel’s kidnapping.

However, Taylor was never charged. Joan says her family has lost friends and jobs and endured years of pain, harassment, death threats and suffering.

“The truth our family has known and maintained since day one is that my son was innocent and is innocent,” Joan Taylor said. “We are still waiting on authorities at all levels to clear the record. Arresting Raymond Moody does not exonerate my son. Saying the words ‘Timothy Taylor is innocent.’ my son deserves that and so much more.”

Taylor’s family attorney Alesia Flores calls on U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to publicly exonerate Taylor. They are also asking elected officials to look for an independent investigation of the FBI’s handling of the case.