Hernando Jury Finds Brooksville Man Guilty of Three Counts of Murder in 2014 Shooting Rampage

Four years after the events in question, a Hernando County jury passed down a verdict of guilty upon a Brooksville man the state says committed among the most shocking shooting sprees in the city’s history.

A jury will decide the fate of George Mason III this week after finding him guilty of the murders of his girlfriend Tarasha Yata Townsend, his grandmother Jannie V. Taylor, and his half-brother Ralph Peyton. Mason was also found guilty of attempted murder for allegedly grievously wounding another half brother, Gabriel “Bo” Taylor in the same exchange.

Per Brooksville Police, Mason’s only motive was an intense desire for revenge. They say he opened fire at the home in which all the victims lived, fatally wounding Townsend, Jannie Taylor, and Peyton within its walls.

Investigators say he then continued by chasing Bo Taylor for several blocks before catching up with him and striking him with several rounds from his 9mm handgun. The rampage finally ended when Mason was hit and run over by a passing vehicle.

Mason was taken to the hospital and treated for several broken bones before ultimately being charged with the crimes he was found guilty of last week. A jury now has the task of determining the punishment he will serve for his crimes, including weighing whether they merit death at the hands of the state.

Per local media, Mason has a significant criminal record, including serving prison sentences for sale and possession of cannabis and cocaine, battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing law enforcement, and felon in possession of a firearm, among other serious infractions.

The Law Offices of Bjorn Brunvand have been representing people charged with capital murder, felony drug charges, drunk driving, government fraud, and white-collar crimes for over a quarter century. Contact our office today to discuss your Tampa Bay-area state or federal charges.