Christmas Day Stabbing at Mobile County Jail Allegedly Over Theft

Authorities say the attack was motivated by claims the victim had stolen something from another inmate.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A Christmas Day jailhouse stabbing in Mobile, Alabama reportedly stemmed from allegations that the victim, Kilpatrick Taylor, had committed a theft, according to testimony at a preliminary hearing. Taylor suffered 10 stab wounds from homemade knives and required surgery for a punctured lung. Four inmates - Jeffrey Blackston, Gadrick Overstreet, Derrick Williams-McGlasker, and Antwan Williams - have been charged with first-degree assault in the attack.

Why it matters

Jailhouse violence and attacks are an ongoing concern for corrections officials, with inmates sometimes taking matters into their own hands over perceived grievances or disputes. This incident highlights the challenges of maintaining order and safety in detention facilities, especially when inmates have access to makeshift weapons.

The details

According to testimony from Mobile County Sheriff's Office investigator Archie Niles Jr., the attack on Kilpatrick Taylor was allegedly motivated by claims he had stolen something. One inmate reportedly warned Taylor he was going to die before the assault occurred later that day. While the specific motive is unclear, the four inmates charged - who are all facing other serious criminal charges - were identified by Taylor and seen on surveillance video going to and from his cell, though the attack itself was not captured on camera.

  • The stabbing incident occurred on Christmas Day.
  • A preliminary hearing was held on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Kilpatrick Taylor

The victim of the jailhouse stabbing, who suffered 10 stab wounds and a punctured lung.

Jeffrey Blackston

One of the four inmates charged with first-degree assault, who was convicted of capital murder in December.

Gadrick Overstreet

One of the four inmates charged, who is also charged with a fatal shooting after a high school graduation party.

Derrick Williams-McGlasker

One of the four inmates charged, who is also charged with shooting two men on St. Stephens Road.

Antwan Williams

One of the four inmates charged, who is also charged with a fatal shooting in 2020 on Louise Drive.

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What they’re saying

“That's the allegation. I mean, we don't know, necessarily, for sure. And neither does the detective. … That was something put forth by one inmate that was the cause of the alleged attack.”

— Tom Walsh, Lawyer for Gadrick Overstreet (FOX10 News)

“From my understanding, there have been no weapons recovered and no clothing that may or may not have had blood on it.”

— Maxine Walters, Lawyer for Jeffrey Blackston (FOX10 News)

“I think what they have is the victim's statement. They definitely will probably move forward with that. It doesn't seem that they have physical evidence, and it also seems that there were witnesses there who did not make statements or did not want to share information.”

— Maxine Walters, Lawyer for Jeffrey Blackston (FOX10 News)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the four defendants to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges corrections officials face in maintaining order and safety in detention facilities, where inmates sometimes resort to violence over perceived grievances or disputes, even when physical evidence may be lacking.