Lancaster, California – A Los Angeles County jury has convicted a California couple of murdering their two eldest children in a horrifying 2020 case that prosecutors described as one of the most disturbing acts of parental violence in recent memory. The surviving younger children were allegedly forced to view the decapitated bodies of their siblings before being locked in their rooms without food.
Overview of the Incident
According to authorities, 39-year-old Maurice Jewel Taylor Sr. and 48-year-old Natalie Sumiko Brothwell were found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances for killing 12-year-old Maurice Taylor Jr. and 13-year-old Maliaka Taylor. The killings occurred on Nov. 29, 2020, inside the family’s home in Lancaster, California.
The parents were also convicted of two counts of felony child abuse, stemming from the treatment of their two surviving sons, ages 8 and 9 at the time.
How the Events Unfolded
Investigators testified that Taylor fatally stabbed both of his older children before decapitating them in separate bedrooms. Their bodies were kept inside the home for five days. During this period, prosecutors said the couple repeatedly “forced” the younger boys to look at the mutilated remains of their siblings.
After the forced viewings, the boys were locked in their rooms without food for several days, leaving them traumatized and malnourished.
Details from Police and Officials
Authorities were first alerted to something being wrong when Taylor, a Zoom personal trainer, failed to show up for virtual training sessions. His clients feared a gas leak at the home and asked officials to conduct a welfare check.
When police arrived, they encountered an unthinkable scene. The bodies of the two older children were found with lacerations and stab wounds. Officers stated that Taylor resisted arrest and had to be strapped to a stretcher to be removed safely from the residence.
Brothwell was present in the home during the time of discovery, though she was not arrested until almost a year later.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman condemned the crime, saying in a statement:
“Two innocent children were brutally murdered, and their young brothers were left to live through unimaginable horror. The jury’s verdict delivers justice for these victims and sends a powerful message: Those who commit such evil acts will be held fully accountable.”
Timeline of the Case
- Nov. 29, 2020: Maurice Taylor allegedly stabbed and decapitated the two older children.
- Nov.–Dec. 2020: Bodies remained inside the home for five days; younger siblings forced to view the remains.
- Early December 2020: Police conducted a welfare check and discovered the scene; Taylor arrested.
- Late 2021: Brothwell arrested and charged.
- Jan. 2025: Jury found both parents guilty of murder and felony child abuse.
- Jan. 13, 2025: Scheduled sentencing date for both defendants.
Witness Accounts and Community Shock
Neighbors told investigators they had rarely seen the children outdoors and described the family as private. Some said they noticed unusual behavior in the weeks before police arrived but had no idea of the horrors happening inside the home.
One neighbor recalled seeing police rush into the house and later witnessing Taylor being brought out on a stretcher. The entire community was left shaken by the brutality of the crime.
Additional Context: Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse
Child abuse experts emphasize that cases like this highlight the importance of early intervention. Warning signs can include:
- Sudden withdrawal or fearfulness in children
- Unexplained injuries
- Prolonged isolation from school or community activities
- Parents limiting access to the children
Authorities encourage residents to contact local law enforcement or child protective services if they suspect a child may be in danger. Early reporting can save lives.
The Road Ahead
Both Taylor and Brothwell face the possibility of life without parole in a state correctional facility. Prosecutors credited the investigative work of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Lancaster Station, and the dedication of Deputy District Attorneys Alexander Lara and Kirsten Brown, who built the case piece by piece.
As the community waits for the sentencing hearing, many are still grappling with the chilling details of how two young lives were taken and how two others survived unimaginable trauma.
Conclusion
The conviction brings a measure of justice, but the emotional wounds left on the surviving children and the community may take years to heal. This case stands as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and reporting in preventing child abuse.
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