By james art The 53-year-old man was arrested on Friday, October 25, Police Scotland confirmed.
Mr Taylor was found with serious injuries outside his home on the town’s Pollock Crescent on Friday, October 18.
He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The following day, police confirmed they were investigating a homicide following a post-mortem – saying they believed the incident was a “targeted attack”.
On Tuesday, October 22, a 26-year-old man was the first man to be arrested in connection with the death.
Key O’Connor then appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court the following day, where he pleaded no contest to murder and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
After his appearance, he was taken for further examination and remand. He is due back in court in the coming days.
Police Scotland have not yet confirmed whether the second man arrested on Friday has been charged at this stage – and inquiries are ongoing.
A spokesman for the force said: “A second man has been arrested in connection with the death of John Taylor in Kilwinning.
“Mr Taylor, aged 44, was found with serious injuries on Pollock Crescent at around 1.55pm on Friday 18 October 2024. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The 53-year-old man was arrested on Friday, October 25, 2024. A 26-year-old man was previously arrested and charged in connection with the death.
“Investigations are ongoing.”