Milwaukee man sentenced to 30 years in prison after beating another to death, robbing him last April
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee man charged in the brutal beating and killing of another man last April will now spend decades in prison.
Isiah Taylor was sentenced to 30 years behind bars on Thursday, June 18 for first-degree reckless homicide and armed robbery.
Prosecutors said Taylor and his mother, Melanie, invaded a home near 8th and Galena on April 25, 2025, and beat resident Jerry Rhodes to death before stealing his television and cellphone.
Melanie was sentenced back in March to 15 years in prison for her involvement.
Isiah Taylor and Melanie Taylor
During Taylor's sentencing, the victim's family members spoke, remembering a man they said was loving and funny.
"I don't know if you have any remorse for what you did, but you took a huge chunk out of our hearts." said Jevoni Rhodes. "I hope that one day as a race, we just stop killing each other and repeating this cycle. I am so sick of reading about Black-on-Black murder. If it's not a gun, it's a car."
In court, Taylor apologized for his actions.
"I know that no words can truly ease the pain that you are experiencing and I understand that an apology might not ever be enough for what has happened. I want you to know that I am deeply sorry for my actions and for the hurt I have caused for your loved ones and your family," Taylor said. "I think about it every day the impact this tragedy has had and I carry profound regret."
CBS 58 spoke with two of the victim's nephews after the sentencing ended, who said they believed justice had been served.
"We as a family thought 30 years was a good number and he was able to get that 30 years, so we were happy with that," said Tim Rhodes. "At the same time, he took a life and you just can't take it back, you can't bring my uncle back. He just made a big mistake."
Anthony Rhodes said his uncle was a great person.
"Rhodes family is strong and we're gonna keep it strong," he said.