Andy Garcia Honors His Niece's Boyfriend, Sean Taylor
Andy Garcia is paying tribute to slain NFL star Sean Taylor, who died this week after being shot inside his Florida home during an apparent break-in.
The actor's niece, Jackie Garcia, was the girlfriend of the Redskins safety and was
there Monday night when they heard loud noises inside Taylor's home.
Jackie Garcia hid in the couple's bedroom with their 18-month-old daughter, also named Jackie, while Sean Taylor, 24, went to investigate the break-in.
The intruder fired at least two shots, one of which struck Sean Taylor in the groin. The assailant then fled as Taylor stumbled back to the bedroom and Jackie Garcia called 911 on her cellphone. The phone lines to Taylor's home had been cut.
Andy Garcia's niece was with Sean Taylor on the fateful night.
"His heroic action on that tragic night saved both of their lives and is a testament to his humanity and courage," Andy Garcia, the star of Ocean's Thirteen, said in a statement to the Miami Herald. "His spirit will live forever, in our hearts and through the legacy of his achievements and the family he leaves behind."
Jackie Garcia and Sean Taylor were high school sweethearts at South Florida's Gulliver Preparatory School and attended the University of Miami together.
"Sean Taylor as known to many as an extraordinary athlete and unquestionable teammate," Andy Garcia, 51, added. "To those of us who had the good fortune to count him as a member of our extended family, we will always remember him as a caring and loving individual."
The Miami-Dade police director said Wednesday that authorities have "no reason to think this was anything other than a burglary or a robbery."
There are no suspects in the murder of Sean Taylor, who died at the hospital after suffering major blood loss and brain damage as a result of the shooting.
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- Four Men Arrested For Murder of Sean Taylor
- Sean Taylor, 24, Dies From Gunshot Wound
November 30th, 2008 2:51 PM
Man sean taylor rip baby n 4get wut anybody thinks he is gone now plz let him rest yo,,,n I no his girl had nuttin 2 do wit it n if she did who is yall 2 judge if dats da case yall so worried go get paid 2 b n da jury wen it goes dwn,, yall so simple up here.. Jus pray 4 da family n expecially da baby n da baby momma
December 12th, 2007 6:26 PM
We all have our thoughts based on facts or mere instincts. Sometimes the best instinct discovers what the naked eye will miss. It can not be understated that a person was killed, but there is too much conflicting information even if you do your research. Was there a thin line of love and hate, or a cover up for someone in the background. In due time speculations will be laid to rest, but I have an instinct that something is not right with Jackie in thie whole equation.
December 10th, 2007 12:00 AM
Those comments that were made were pretty ignorant and just mean. It was obvious by those who spoke at his funeral that he was well liked, loved and respected by his community, team, and family. He played football all his life, and this is not something easy...It takes dedication & hard work, and people just wanna come along & take that away. I agree with the comment from the Dr. Carrington..."work for your own stuff!"
Additionally, rich or poor, people shouldn't criticize someone who has died...period!!
December 5th, 2007 3:15 AM
Your comments is what totally does not make sense. Do you ever ask yourself what you would do in this situation? I guess not everyone is as smart as you to put security into your household. Do you know what neighborhood he lived in? Do you know if the neighborhood was upscale or just another 'ghetto' hood. Let's be honest here, the first thing you jump to into your remarkable opinion is how stupid others are. Maybe this kind of even should happen to you with your loved ones around---how would you react if you only had a machete around. It would be a different case if Sean Taylor was waving a gun in the household--would that be the better solution? keep a gun in the household. I seriously think you all should shut your mouths and think of more important issues that's important all of us Americans alike.
December 4th, 2007 5:56 PM
HOw would she gain from his death? How about, the blood heir to his money is her son. Also, I think some people are putting the fact that this "should not happen to anyone" argument as justification for berating the first two commentors. Whether or not someone should be killed (obviously the answer is not) really doesn't play into why the murder occurred. Something is going to come out regarding this case because all of the murders are on suicide watch right now. Usually means something is being covered up that they don't want to speak about.
December 4th, 2007 4:16 PM
To Wondering too,
How would Ms. Garcia gain from his death? She was not married to him so legally she wouldn't gain anything. And you don't know the stipulations of his will or if he even had one. So, I'm wondering what you're talking about.
December 4th, 2007 11:39 AM
My son playes for the NFL. He and his wife had a break-in at there Metro Atlanta home. It angers me that he, Sean Taylor and so many others worked hard to acheive there goals and other people come along to kill, steal and distroy. What ever happen to working for your own stuff!
December 4th, 2007 3:53 AM
yes, he reacted in the moment by instincts only. Looking back in hindsight does not change anything. the only thing that mattered is he wanted to survive and protect his family. Now everyone needs to forgive their judgments and those who killed him and move on rather than hold resentments which help no one. I think sean would like forgiveness to happen for everyone. After all he is in a good place now.
December 3rd, 2007 10:47 PM
I to have two daughters and never felt so close to sean in that aspect. My thoughts and prayers go out to the taylor and garcia family, jackie stay strong.
December 3rd, 2007 9:07 PM
Lisa and welcome you guys are to funny... and asad to say the least. So I guess its his fault? True precauations could have been taken, but please just because the alarm situation NO ONE AND I MEAN NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO DO WHAT THESE FOUR MEN HAVE DONE TO HIM. It's like your saying he deserved what he got. PLEASE!!! If this ws your husband or family member would you be saying the same thing? I think NOT! Another innocent life is taken over STUPIDITY!!! My praywers go out his family, mainly his daughter that will not know what its like to have a father all over BS.