Teen pleads guilty to killing Shoreline woman, prosecutors seek 10-year sentence

Jaden Taylor, accused of fatally shooting BillyJo Perkins in 2024, has pleaded guilty to multiple felonies.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A teenager accused of killing a woman at a housing complex in Shoreline, Washington has pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges in a plea agreement with prosecutors. Jaden Taylor, who was 16 at the time, allegedly pointed a gun at a woman's head and ultimately killed 50-year-old BillyJo Perkins, who tried to intervene while walking her dog nearby. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of 120 months in prison.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety in subsidized housing communities. The plea agreement aims to ensure accountability for Perkins' death while avoiding the uncertainty of a jury trial.

The details

Authorities say that on May 18, 2024, Jaden Taylor shot BillyJo Perkins three times at close range, killing her. One of the bullets also struck a teenage boy who was standing nearby. Taylor fled the area but was later identified through surveillance footage and arrested.

  • On May 18, 2024, Taylor allegedly shot and killed Perkins.
  • On Thursday, a judge accepted an amended plea agreement from Taylor, who is now 18 years old.

The players

Jaden Taylor

A teenager who was 16 years old at the time of the incident and has now pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges, including first-degree manslaughter, two counts of second-degree assault, and one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.

BillyJo Perkins

A 50-year-old woman who was killed after trying to intervene when Taylor allegedly pointed a gun at another person's head.

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What they’re saying

“The plea agreement was reached to ensure accountability in Perkins' death while securing a conviction and allowing the state to argue for a substantial sentence that had been discussed with the victim's family.”

— King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office (king5.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Taylor's sentence, with prosecutors recommending 120 months in prison.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing need for comprehensive solutions to address gun violence and protect vulnerable communities, including investment in mental health resources, youth programs, and community-based violence prevention initiatives.