By Palm Beach and Broward Mugshots
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — A man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following a violent death discovered in a wooded area, according to law enforcement officials.
Brannon Michael Taylor was taken into custody on April 22, 2026, in connection with the death of 30-year-old Jordan Scales. Authorities say the victim was found deceased in an outdoor encampment after a 911 call alerted police to the scene.
Officers responded in the early morning hours and located Scales lying on a mattress with significant trauma to his face. Investigators noted signs of decomposition, indicating the victim had been deceased for some time before being discovered. He was pronounced dead shortly after officers arrived.
Crime scene investigators processed the area and recovered a metal pole believed to be the weapon used in the attack. The object reportedly showed evidence of blood and hair.
According to the investigation, a witness told detectives he last saw Scales alive on April 17, 2026, in the company of a man known to him only as “Mike.” The witness stated the two men had been arguing over a small amount of money before he left the area, leaving them alone together.
Two days later, the witness returned and discovered Scales unresponsive, prompting the call to 911.
Detectives later received a critical tip from another individual who reported encountering a man the evening of April 18. During that encounter, the man allegedly confessed to attacking someone earlier that day and described beating the victim repeatedly with a metal object. The witness later reported the incident to police.
Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses, which showed a man matching the suspect’s description leaving the area around the time of the incident.
The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head and ruled the manner of death a homicide.
Based on witness statements, physical evidence, and video surveillance, detectives identified Taylor as the suspect and took him into custody. He is currently being held without bond on a charge of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact local law enforcement.
Comments are moderated. Text only. No photos, videos, links, addresses, phone numbers, victim information, witness names, threats, harassment, racial slurs, or unverified accusations. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Your email must be verified before your comment can be reviewed. For safety and moderation, comment submissions may include your name, email, IP address, browser/device information, and comment activity.