Mi'Quavis Taylor Sentenced in Twin Falls County Court

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — One of two suspects was sentenced today in Twin Falls County Court for the murder of a local tattoo artist.

“I sincerely apologize, Mr. Rodriguez,” Mi’Quavis Taylor said. “I really wish there was something I could do to get him back, but I sincerely apologize.”

Taylor's words sounded remorseful at his sentencing, but his reactions in the courtroom before the hearing suggested otherwise.

On November 16, 2023, Mi'Quavis Taylor and Kaden Thomson murdered 32-year-old Freddy Rodriquez outside his home during a robbery.

“By your heinous and completely unnecessary actions, you and Mr. Thomson together killed a man,” Judge Benjamin Cluff said. “In doing so, you took away a father and a husband. This family will never again have that influence in their lives.”

According to police reports, Taylor and Thomson attempted to steal Rodriguez's vehicle. Rodriguez confronted them with a baseball bat and was then shot several times in the chest. The two men then fled the scene, prompting an organized search.

“At sentencing, the state will recommend, and the defense will recommend through mediation, that count one, first-degree murder, carry a sentence of life in state prison,” said U.S. Attorney Grant Loebs. “Thirty-five years must be served to be eligible for parole. Count two, involuntary manslaughter, carry a sentence of 14 years with 10 years before parole eligibility. Count three, aggravated assault, carry a sentence of 15 years.”

Taylor and Thomson went on a series of robberies, burglaries and violent crimes before ending their killing spree with Rodriguez, according to court documents and the prosecutor's office. Taylor addressed Rodriguez's wife in court, saying he knew what it felt like to lose someone.

“I loved my father 15 years ago to the point of suicide,” Taylor said. “I know what it’s like to lose someone you love.”

His attorney said Taylor underwent a psychological evaluation that revealed he suffered from an unspecified disorder. Despite his attorney's statement to the judge, he also said he did not object to the consequences Taylor faces.

Judge Cluff sentenced Taylor to a unified, indeterminate life sentence, with a 35-year parole eligibility period for first-degree murder. His accomplice Kaden Thomson's sentence is still pending.

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