BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – As a 23-year-old mother faces court, accused of the murder of her husband, that man's family is reacting and coping with the loss of his life.
Taylor Kirby claimed self-defense in a jailhouse interview with RTV6 this week. She’s accused of shooting her husband, Justin Kirby, 26, to death.
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Tuesday, Taylor Kirby faced a judge for the first time in the case. Meanwhile, we spoke with those who knew her husband about how they are dealing with the loss.
A family friend showed us a photo of Justin on Facebook. He says Justin was legally blind, but always eager to help others.
Investigators say Justin was shot four times at his home on Saturday. Taylor has admitted she shot him, but says it was in self-defense, claiming Justin “came at her.”
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is calling it murder, however, saying evidence doesn’t back up those claims.
The couple had two kids together, who were outside at the time of the shooting.
Justin had a third child from a previous relationship. That child’s grandfather spoke to us, saying Justin’s death is a big blow to the community.
“(He) did a lot of help,” Frank Farris said. “He helped us out around our house – when we needed help, he was willing to help us out in our time of need. (He was) just an all-around great guy.”
Those we spoke to about the family declined to comment on Taylor Kirby’s allegations, especially because the court case in the death is pending.
Taylor has entered a plea of “not guilty” in her husband’s death. Her next court date is in November.
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Follow Mike Pelton on Twitter: @MikePeltonrtv6
