Bio

Keith Bryan Taylor was born in 1954 in Miami, Florida. He grew up as one of ten children in a family that faced many challenges. His early life included struggles, particularly with mental health issues. He experienced difficulties in school, leading to some expulsions, but he eventually earned a high school diploma and attended some college classes.

In 1975, at the age of 21, Taylor joined the Army. He served as a computer operator and reached the rank of staff sergeant. However, his military career began to decline in 1980 when he experienced a nervous breakdown. This breakdown led to extended treatment in a mental hospital, where he was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder and paranoia.

Throughout the 1980s, Taylor's mental health continued to decline. He was treated multiple times for mental health issues, including paranoia, depression, and substance abuse. In 1984, he was discharged from the Army, and his struggles persisted as he faced difficulties in maintaining employment and stability in his personal life.

In 1977, he married Lori Taylor, and they had two children together. However, their marriage faced significant strain. Taylor had an ongoing battle with jealousy and paranoia about his wife's fidelity. The family life became turbulent, resulting in Lori seeking a separation. By 1988, she had removed Taylor's name from their apartment lease and changed the locks.

Taylor had a complicated relationship with mental health services. Various professionals diagnosed him with conditions like paranoid schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder. He repeatedly refused to take prescribed medications and showed resistance to treatment, which complicated his situation further.

Murder Story

On January 12, 1989, Keith Bryan Taylor killed his 29-year-old estranged wife, Lorrie Taylor, in their apartment in Pierce County, Georgia. This act occurred on the same day that he was served with a court order requiring him to stay away from her due to previous threats.

Lorrie Taylor had gone to the courthouse with her cousin to secure a good-behavior warrant against Keith. Afterward, Lorrie returned to their apartment, while Keith walked with their two children. Within a short time, a police officer knocked on the door of the apartment to check on Lorrie’s well-being after concerns were raised. When the officer arrived, Keith answered the door covered in blood, stating that he wanted to go to jail.

Emergency medical personnel arrived soon after, but despite their attempts to save her, Lorrie was seriously injured and later died. An autopsy revealed that she had suffered numerous stab wounds, including extensive injuries to her neck and other areas of her body. A bloody knife was discovered in the apartment, which was identified as belonging to Keith by one of their children.

Keith was arrested on the same day and faced charges of murder. Throughout his trial, he presented an insanity defense, claiming mental illness influenced his actions. However, the jury ultimately found him guilty of murder, and on October 11, 1990, he was sentenced to death. This sentence was later commuted to life in prison.