Kellye Taylor Murder: A Child Custody Battle Gone Wrong

On Friday, October 11, Kellye Taylor was fatally stabbed in front of her students as they played in a park across the street from their school. The suspected perpetrator, Steven Brown, is said to have approached Taylor from behind and stabbed her as she watched her students play in the park during their "Fun Friday" activities.

Grandmother with Child Custody is Killed by the Children's Father

Kellye Taylor, 53, was a teacher at Huntington Academy, a small private elementary school that serves children from Kindergarten through sixth grade. She had custody of her daughter's four children, all of whom were fathered by the suspect, Steven Brown.

Witnesses say that approximately 1:30 p.m. on Friday, October 11, Taylor was seated in a chair, watching her students play on the jungle gym in the park, when a man approached her from behind and stabbed her in the back. Students who saw the incident ran back to the school and alerted other teachers, one of whom is Kellye Taylor's younger sister, Pamela Huffman.

"All I could do was run to her, " said Huffman to the Press Telegram, "I knew she wasn't going to make it."

The suspect was caught a short time later in a nearby shopping center with a weapon on his person. He is now in custody and is being held on $1 million bail, according to authorities.

A candlelight vigil was held for Kellye Taylor on Saturday night.

Any information about the incident should be reported to Long Beach Police Homicide detective Hugo Cortes or Detective Peter Lackovic. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling (800) 222-8477, texting TIPLA and a tip to CRIMES (274637), or visiting L.A. Crimestoppers.

Could this Child Custody-related Murder Have Been Avoided?

While this case is extreme, it isn't the first time we have seen a child custody battle gone violent. In fact, there is a chance that Kellye Brown's murder could have been avoided.

If you are involved in a child custody dispute, and you fear for your safety or someone else's, a licensed private investigator can help. We can assist you using surveillance services and complete background check services to help the courts identify a potentially violent individual.

Does your ex:

  • Have a history of violent behavior?
  • Volate restraining orders?
  • Demonstrate signs of erratic behavior?
  • Have anger management issues?
  • Send you threatening emails, texts or voice mails?
  • Currently violate court orders?

A California Private investigator can help you to get evidence you need to take action so you can protect yourself and the ones you love. Our documented reports and surveillance pictures and videos can help the courts take action to protect your safety.

Contact a licensed California Child Custody Private Investigator

Mike Garroutte, owner of Linked Investigations, is a licensed California Child Custody Private Investigator. The work he has done in the realm of family law investigations has helped to keep his clients and their children safe. Please give us a call if you feel we can help. 1-877-464-5374 or email us: info@linkedinvestigations.com

Published on: 
October 1, 2013
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