Charges: Man says gun discharged after falling from waistband of sweatpants, killing woman

A woman died Thursday morning after a shooting in St. Paul, according to the St. Paul Police Department.

Police stated 25-year-old Taquita D. Williams, of St. Paul, was a victim of a shooting that happened late Wednesday on University Avenue W.

Willams was brought to Regions Hospital early Thursday morning, where she died.

Officers arrested 20-year-old Dominique Dangelo Taylor, of St. Paul, Thursday morning. Taylor was booked into the Ramsey County Jail.

Taylor has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and crime to benefit a gang.

According to the complaint, Taylor and Williams were seen on surveillance video from the bar playfully interacting and jostling one another. At one point Taylor stepped over the curb while holding onto both of Williams’ arms and pulling her along with him. At one point people ducked in response to a gunshot, Williams grabbed her abdomen with both hands and after a few steps lay down on the ground. Taylor then got in the passenger seat of a vehicle and left the scene.

Later on, Taylor showed up at Regions Hospital where Williams was taken. He was taken into custody with a gun in the waistband of his sweatpants.

Taylor told police that the shooting was an accident. He said that during their playful pushing, when Williams grabbed him, the gun fell from the waistband of his sweatpants, hit the ground and discharged hitting Williams. Taylor said he was "too drunk" to stop the handgun from falling from his pants.

Taylor also admitted to being the founder of a St. Paul street gang and that he needed the gun at the ready for protection from other gangs.

No additional information was released.