Murder Suspect in 2008 St. Louis Officer Killing Released on $5,000 Bond

ST. LOUIS – Brandon M. Levy, 46, charged with first-degree murder in the 2008 killing of off-duty St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley campus police officer Demond Taylor, has been released from jail after posting a $5,000 cash bond. The release follows a judge's decision to modify Levy's bond from an initial no-bond hold to $50,000, allowing for a 10% payment.

Officer Taylor, 34, was fatally shot on June 20, 2008, while sitting in his car at a red light. The case remained unsolved for 17 years until investigators filed charges against Levy this past weekend. According to court documents, three witnesses came forward between 2018 and this year, alleging Levy mistakenly shot Taylor, believing he was a rival gang member.

Associate Circuit Judge Michael Colona initially ordered Levy held without bond. However, the judge modified the bond on Monday, August 25, 2025, after Levy informed the court he works as a custodian, is attending community college to become a surgical technician, and volunteers as a football coach. The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office stated, > "After a confined docket hearing on August 25, 2025, Associate Circuit Judge Michael Colona modified the defendant’s bond to $50,000 cash-only, requiring 10 percent to be posted."

The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office confirmed that the state had requested the bond conditions imposed on August 23, 2025, remain in place. These conditions require Levy to attend all hearings, comply with judgments, notify the court of address changes, not tamper with witnesses, obey all laws, and avoid weapons and drugs. The Circuit Attorney’s Office declined further comment on the pending case.

The decision to release a first-degree murder suspect on such a low bond has drawn significant public and professional attention, particularly given the victim was a police officer. Demond Taylor’s son, Dejuan Taylor, expressed mixed emotions, stating that while the arrest brought relief, the bond decision was difficult. Levy's next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, with a preliminary hearing set for September 25.