Case against man accused of beating boss, 75, heads to circuit court
In a news release from the sheriff’s office sent out after Taylor’s arrest, Sheriff Mike Bouchard called the assault a “brutal and unprovoked attack on a senior citizen (that) shocks the consciousness.”
The case against a Detroit man accused of beating on his 75-year-old boss to unconsciousness in Rochester Hills — allegedly due to a disagreement over pay — has advanced to Oakland County Circuit Court for possible trial.
Keith Demetrious Taylor, 32, waived his right to a preliminary exam in 52-3 District Court on Tuesday before Judge Julie Nicholson, who then bound the case over to the higher court.
Taylor faces one count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder for the alleged attack that happened Oct. 5 on Star Batt Drive.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor was an employee of a landscape company and had cut a lawn with the owner, asking to be paid when leaving the job site that day. He apparently became agitated by the size of the paycheck, believing he was underpaid, the sheriff’s office said. He confronted the employer, yelling profanities, then proceeded to physically attack him — kicking him repeatedly in the mid-section, head and face — as seen on surveillance video.
After the employer was apparently knocked unconscious, bloodied and bruised, Taylor allegedly kept yelling at him and then, as he tried to get up, knocked him back to the ground again, the sheriff’s office said. Several witnesses spoke to detectives about the assault, the sheriff’s office said.
In a news release from the sheriff’s office sent out after Taylor’s arrest, Sheriff Mike Bouchard called the assault a “brutal and unprovoked attack on a senior citizen (that) shocks the consciousness,” and said Taylor deserves severe punishment.
Nicholson denied a request to reduce bond. Arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 1 before Oakland County Circuit Judge Daniel O’Brien.
Taylor has a history of violent, criminal behavior with convictions out of Arizona and Detroit. He also has multiple bench warrants out of Detroit and Highland Park.