A 23-year-old Amazon delivery driver was shot in the head by a stranger who waited for her return, then dragged her still-breathing body into a ditch, according to a guilty plea entered by the suspect in Missouri. Thomas Coy, 65, admitted to the killing of Jasmine Taylor, an act that turned a routine delivery route in Lawrence County into a scene of senseless violence. The killing sent shockwaves through the rural community and the wider network of delivery workers, serving as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those on the road when encountering hostile strangers. Her story has highlighted the human cost behind the logistics of online shopping, turning a nameless delivery into a personal tragedy for the community that mourns her loss.
Background
The incident occurred on Feb. 5, 2025, along Lawrence County Road 2152, a rural stretch approximately 40 miles west of Springfield, Mo. According to a probable cause statement from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor’s Amazon delivery truck was seen crashing into a fence around 4 p.m. Video footage provided by Amazon to law enforcement showed the truck traveling up to a driveway with the driver slumped over the steering wheel.
Investigators determined that Coy had spotted Taylor driving down the road. He retreated to his home, retrieved a pellet rifle, and waited for her to return. When Taylor came back by, Coy shot her. He then removed her from the vehicle and dragged her along the road, leaving her in a ditch. Taylor was transported to Mercy Hospital Joplin, where doctors discovered a projectile in her head hours after her arrival. She died from her injuries on Feb. 9, 2025.
The Charges
Coy was initially arrested for assault, a charge that was subsequently upgraded to first-degree murder following Taylor’s death. This week, however, Coy pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and one count of armed criminal action. Lawrence County Sheriff Chris Berry described the crime as having "no sense" and noted that the victim and the suspect did not know each other.
While Sheriff Berry confirmed that authorities had established a motive, they declined to disclose specific details during the initial stages of the investigation. Neighbors told local media that Coy had frequently complained about the speed of delivery vehicles on the county road, a grievance that may have fueled the confrontation.
Key Takeaways
- Thomas Coy, 65, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action for the death of Jasmine Taylor.
- The victim, 23-year-old Jasmine Taylor, was an Amazon delivery driver shot in the head with a pellet rifle.
- Coy ambushed Taylor, waited for her return, shot her, and dragged her into a ditch while she was still alive.
- Taylor died on Feb. 9, 2025, four days after the shooting.
- The incident took place in Lawrence County, Mo., and the suspect and victim were strangers.
- Coy’s prior complaints about delivery vehicle speeds may have provided the motive for the ambush.
What's Next
With the guilty plea entered, the case now moves toward sentencing. The court is expected to schedule a sentencing hearing in the coming weeks, where the judge will determine the prison term for Coy. Victim impact statements from Jasmine Taylor’s family and the Lawrence County community are anticipated to play a significant role in the proceedings, highlighting the profound loss suffered by those who knew her and the broader impact on local delivery workers.