Shooting victim’s condition improving, deputies say

At Atwater shooting victim remained hospitalized Monday, but continued to show signs of improvement, the Merced County Sheriff’s Department told the Sun-Star.

Stephen Ray Taylor, 38, was shot multiple times around 11:44 a.m. Oct. 20 outside a residence in the 5100 block of Noah Drive in Atwater.

“He is said to be getting better by the day,” Detective Sgt. Chuck Hale said. “He is awake and alert in the hospital.”

Investigators initially believed Taylor would not recover from his injuries, the Sheriff’s Department said last week in a news release.

Detectives believe Taylor was shot during some type of argument with Versall J. Henderson, 35, who was apparently upset because Taylor had broken off their romantic relationship. Deputies said Taylor intended to try and reconcile with his wife.

Henderson on Thursday pleaded not guilty to an attempted murder charge before Judge Marc A. Garcia in Merced Superior Court. Henderson’s attorney, Deputy Public Defender Sean Howard, was not available for comment Monday.

Thomas Min, the Merced County deputy district attorney prosecuting the case, said Henderson has also been charged with a special allegation, accusing him of intentionally discharging a firearm causing great-bodily injury.

Investigators have said Henderson and Taylor’s recent break-up triggered a bitter dispute that previously prompted law enforcement involvement. Deputies said Henderson had recently accused Taylor of possessing child pornography. Detectives said there was no truth to the allegations.

Just before the shooting, investigators said Henderson and Taylor were arguing in front of the Atwater residence. It remains unclear exactly why both men were in that neighborhood, as neither man lives in the area, deputies said.

During the confrontation, Henderson allegedly pulled out a small-caliber handgun and shot Taylor multiple times.

Henderson is due back in court today for a bail review hearing. A preliminary hearing is scheduled Nov. 3.

He remains in custody at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility on $1.5 million bail.

This story was originally published October 27, 2014 at 6:01 PM with the headline "Shooting victim’s condition improving, deputies say."