Police: Body of Shamari Taylor, missing since 2006, found

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - 12 years ago this month 26-year-old Shamari Taylor disappeared, kidnapped as he drove through the Overbrook Park section of Philadelphia. Within the past few days, police and federal authorities unearthed his body in a shallow grave in North Philadelphia.

"Tuesday of this week in a lot in North Philadelphia, his remains were found and positively identified as his," Homicide Unit Lt. Norman Davenport said.

Taylor was last seen at around 11 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2006. He was driving in the 7600 block of Woodbine Avenue in the Overbrook Park neighborhood when a van stopped in front of the car he was driving. 8 or 10 men jumped out of the van, handcuffed and blindfolded Taylor and his female companion and forced them both into the van.

Police say the female companion was released, but Shamari Taylor was never found despite pleas at the time from family members.

"There's a lot of grief, pain and horror that has to be relived at this point. We certainly keep the family in our thoughts and prayers," Lt. Davenport said.

Days after the kidnapping, Taylor's Wyalusing Avenue residence was home invaded. His mother and sister were shot. Police believe by two of the same suspects who kidnapped Taylor ransacked the home and stole $10,000.

"Investigators have never stopped working on this case, homicide investigators with our federal partners have worked non-stop," Lt. Davenport said.

Sources tell FOX 29 Taylor was found in a 2 foot grave in a lot in North Philadelphia lot. He may have been tortured and suffocated to death. Kenneth Tuck was arrested for the kidnapping. His first trial ended with a hung jury. He was later acquitted on all charges at a second trial.

"We'll continue to follow up on more leads on this investigation with the hope that we can bring the killers to justice," Lt. Davenport said.