King Baba’s restaurant closing after parking lot violence

JACKSON, Tenn. — King Baba’s on Old Hickory Boulevard will close its doors following two violent incidents in the restaurant’s parking lot, the owner announced on Facebook this week.

“The owner said that due to some senseless action in the community, safety is more important than staying open,” WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News reporter Ashley Jones Sykes said.

January shooting

On Jan. 4, at approximately 3:30 a.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire in the parking lot. The victim, Schuyler Taylor, was transported to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds and later died.

Gary McNeal II was arrested and charged with the murder on March 2. He now faces charges of second-degree murder and employing a firearm.

Second incident

On March 8, just days after McNeal was charged, officers responded to a disturbance at the same parking lot.

Video on social media shows a woman being possibly struck by a vehicle. Officers also observed additional physical altercations at the location and outside nearby businesses.

A female suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Madison County Criminal Justice Center. The victim was treated at a local hospital and later released.

The business has been in the community for six years. The owner and his family said the decision has been disappointing.

According to the Facebook statement, the restaurant will remain open next week until inventory runs out.

King Baba’s will also close earlier—at 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays—rather than its usual 5 a.m. closing time.

For more news in the Jackson area, click here.