A California man spoke out after discovering his wife in a pool of blood in the home they had shared for nearly 30 years and confronting the suspect in her murder.
According to a press release shared by local news outlet 619 News Media, 71-year-old Wanda Taylor was found dead in her home, allegedly stabbed by 30-year-old Noel Trevino.
Ernest Taylor, Wanda Taylor’s husband, reportedly walked in on the alleged crime in progress and confronted a stranger in his home – allegedly Trevino – who fled before being apprehended by police.
Wanda Taylor was pronounced dead on the scene.
National City Police Homicide Sgt. Mark Segal confirmed to 619 News Media that Ernest Taylor discovered his wife of 35 years “lying in a pool of blood” in their shared home.
Ernest Taylor told San Diego-based NBC affiliate KNSD about what he saw, including his reaction to seeing the alleged killer standing over his wife.
Ernest Taylor told KNSD that he had returned home from a painting project around 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday and encountered Trevino, a stranger to him.
“He was right there,” Ernest Taylor explained. “He was prancing up and mumbling some crazy words. That’s why I just left. And I noticed my wife lying down under a blanket.
He then dialed 911, and Trevino allegedly jumped out of a second-story window and fled on foot. When police arrived at the scene at 2:15 p.m., they quickly located and apprehended Trevino with K-9 units and less-lethal bean bags. Trevino was transported away from the scene in an ambulance before being booked into county jail.
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Security cameras at Wanda Taylor’s home captured Trevino’s alleged attack, which began in the driveway, according to the TV station. Trevino was allegedly captured on cameras as early as 10:30 a.m. on the day of the murder. Wanda Taylor reportedly left around that time to take her dog to the veterinarian.
Ernest Taylor told KNSD that he thought Trevino, who had no known connection to the Taylors, was posing as a solicitor.
“He had a clipboard and everything,” he told me.
Trevino was supposed to be arraigned in court on Friday, but he did not show up due to medical reasons, according to local ABC affiliate KGTV. The defendant’s arraignment was rescheduled for August 25. Trevino is currently being held without bond for murder, burglary, and resisting an officer.
On Friday, Ernest Taylor appeared in San Diego Superior Court with a group of close friends he shared with his late wife.
“I was hesitant to come today because of who I expected to see,” he told KGTV, referring to Trevino. “But when I saw my friends, I was like, ‘Okay, I’m glad I’m here,’ because I would have been like a lone soldier on an island without any support.”
