Bio

Steven R. Taylor was born on September 25, 1969. He spent his early years in Duval County, Florida. There are not many details available about his childhood or family life.

As a young person, he likely grew up with various influences from his environment. However, specific details about his upbringing, school life, and personal relationships are not well-documented. It is known that he lived in a duplex with a roommate before his arrest.

In December 1990, he moved out of this duplex. His former roommate later found buried jewelry on their property, which would become significant in the investigation related to his later actions.

On February 16, 1991, Taylor was arrested. His life and choices took a different path following this event, leading to serious legal consequences. His story is marked by the actions he took as an adult.

Murder Story

On September 15, 1990, Alice Vest returned home to her mobile home around 11:30 p.m. Steven R. Taylor and his accomplice, Gerald Murray, were nearby after spending time listening to the radio. By early morning on September 16, a Ford Ranchero was reported missing from the area. A witness saw the car near Vest's home around 4:30 a.m., and it was later found behind a car dealership close to Taylor's residence.

The next morning, a neighbor discovered Vest's body in her bedroom. The medical examiner found evidence that she had been sexually assaulted. Vest suffered approximately 20 stab wounds from a knife and a pair of scissors found at the scene. Additionally, she was strangled following the stabbing. There were also signs of head trauma, including a fractured jaw and other injuries likely caused by a bottle, metal bar, and candlestick, which were all present at the crime scene. Her phone line had been cut, and it was determined that her home had been burglarized, with jewelry missing.

In December 1990, Taylor moved out of the duplex where he lived. His former roommate discovered a buried bag containing jewelry later identified as belonging to Vest. This information was reported to the police. In January 1991, Taylor visited his former roommate and appeared to show interest in the area where the fence had been removed. A witness testified that Taylor returned from the backyard with dirt on his hands and claimed to be looking for something.

On February 14, 1991, police collected blood, saliva, and hair samples from Taylor under a search warrant. After giving the samples, Taylor inquired how soon he would be apprehended. DNA testing showed that semen found on Vest’s clothing matched Taylor's profile.

During the trial, a fellow inmate, Timothy Cowart, testified that Taylor had confessed to committing a burglary that turned violent. Taylor admitted to stabbing and choking Vest and expressed belief that the evidence against him was strong enough for a conviction.

Taylor was arrested on February 16, 1991, and later indicted on charges of first-degree murder, burglary, and sexual battery. On October 10, 1991, he was found guilty on all counts, and on December 9, 1991, he was sentenced to death. Taylor attempted to appeal the conviction multiple times, but his appeals were denied.