Driver Now Faces Charge Of 2nd-Degree Murder

By THOMAS W. KRAUSEand MIKE WELLS The Tampa Tribune

Published: Sep 1, 2007

TAMPA - Hours after a judge ordered Harry Brian Taylor be held without bail until trial, authorities on Friday filed a second-degree murder charge against the man accused of fatally running down a motorcyclist early Wednesday.

Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies say John Michael Meek, 52, died after his Harley-Davidson was hit from behind by Taylor, who was driving a van. The two had been to the same Riverview bar.

In a hearing at the Hillsborough County Courthouse, prosecutors told Circuit Judge Mark Wolfe that Taylor was a potential danger to the community and was released from prison in 2001 after a second-degree murder conviction.

Taylor, 37, had served 12 years of a 40-year sentence for second-degree murder. In 1989, Taylor was convicted of second-degree murder, grand theft auto and grand theft in connection with a robbery March 26, 1988, in Marion County, according to Florida Department of Law Enforcement records.

He pleaded guilty to stabbing Ted Czochara, 60, four times in the victim's Summerfield home and to stealing his 1987 Mazda pickup and other items from the home, according to published reports.

Based on the prison record and allegations Wednesday that Taylor left the scene of an accident where someone had died, Wolfe declined to set bail. Taylor will remain in jail until trial.

Meek wrestled professionally under the name Iron Mike. His friends called him Uncle Ugly.

Meek's friends and relatives will help him take one last road trip, his ex-wife, Teresa Meek Myers, said Friday.

At noon Sept. 8, the group will gather on their motorcycles in the parking lot of Captain Jack's Restaurant Club, at 9409 U.S. 301 in Riverview.

From there, they will carry Meek's ashes to Williams Park, on U.S. 41, south of Riverview Drive. They will release the ashes into the Alafia River, Myers said.

Afterward, the group will ride to Meek's favorite hangout, The Beer Shed, at 11208 McMullen Loop in Riverview.

Myers said an account was opened at Wachovia Bank to accept donations for Meek's final arrangements. Donations can be sent to any local branch made out to the John Michael Meek Benefit Fund.

Remaining proceeds will be given to an undetermined children's charity in Meek's name, Myers said.

Reporter Thomas W. Krause can be reached at (813) 259-7698 or tkrause@tampatrib.com. Reporter Mike Wells can be reached at (813) 259-7839 or mwells@tampa trib.com.