CA - Maurice Taylor Jr, 12 & Maliaka Taylor, 13, decapitated, Lancaster, Dec 2020 *parents arrested*

[Nikynoo]

I'm going to make a guess. The man (can't call him a father) will go the insanity route. I watched his first appearance before the judge and I have to admit he has "issues". Were they real or was he acting? I don't know.
As for the woman I believe she will go the "I was abused" route.

I'm not so sure. The length of time it took to take the woman into custody leads me to believe there is more to this than meets the eye.

I have no doubt that he had mental health issues at that December hearing (about 3 weeks after the children were discovered). It could be that it took some time for him to be in a well enough state to give more detail - I don't know. Whatever happened, there is enough evidence for both to be charged.

Things that make me go hmmm

• the age difference between the two
• the fact that MT had his first child at 20 and still completed his studies
• the comments of his clients when this case first hit the news

 

[LaborDayRN]

I'm not so sure. The length of time it took to take the woman into custody leads me to believe there is more to this than meets the eye.

I have no doubt that he had mental health issues at that December hearing (about 3 weeks after the children were discovered). It could be that it took some time for him to be in a well enough state to give more detail - I don't know. Whatever happened, there is enough evidence for both to be charged.

Things that make me go hmmm

• the age difference between the two
• the fact that MT had his first child at 20 and still completed his studies
• the comments of his clients when this case first hit the news

All good points. And I'm in complete agreement that he has some mental health issues. I imagine that can be said for many people who are incarcerated.
I just want justice for these two children (actually four) so badly.

 

[Nikynoo]

Interesting about him retaining counsel. Maybe someone he knows from his work in Santa Monica or Lancaster referred him or took his case pro bono? It seems that happens sometimes in high profile cases. I always assumed it was because the attorney thought they would get exposure in the press. This won't happen in this case. The press has been all but silent.

This link may be helpful Lancaster murders: Friend stunned by allegations of decapitation, says suspect appeared to be 'devoted family man'

 

[Nikynoo]

BBM - I wondered the same thing!

I looked up the lawyer - he looks good! General 1 — CHRISTOPHER C. CHANEY LAW

 

[Nikynoo]

I'm not so sure. The length of time it took to take the woman into custody leads me to believe there is more to this than meets the eye.

I have no doubt that he had mental health issues at that December hearing (about 3 weeks after the children were discovered). It could be that it took some time for him to be in a well enough state to give more detail - I don't know. Whatever happened, there is enough evidence for both to be charged.

Things that make me go hmmm

• the age difference between the two
• the fact that MT had his first child at 20 and still completed his studies
• the comments of his clients when this case first hit the news

another thing that makes me go hmmm, is the surviving children. Perhaps they gave more information? I wonder how long they stayed in Childrens and Familys Services and whether they were ever returned to the mother?

 

[Niner]

Looks like the status hearing on 3/25/22 was cancelled.

Docket update:

Defendant Name: TAYLOR, MAURICE JEWEL SR

Upcoming Scheduled Events

Date Time Location Dept/Room Number
April 11, 2022 08:30 AM Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse A11 PRELIMINARY HEARING

link: Criminal Case Summary - Online Services - LA Court


Defendant Name: BROTHWELL, NATALIE SUMIKO

Upcoming Scheduled Events

Date Time Location Dept/Room Number
April 11, 2022 08:30 AM Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse A11 PRELIMINARY HEARING

link: Criminal Case Summary - Online Services - LA Court

 

[Snoopster]

Looks like the status hearing on 3/25/22 was cancelled.

Docket update:

Defendant Name: TAYLOR, MAURICE JEWEL SR

Upcoming Scheduled Events

Date Time Location Dept/Room Number
April 11, 2022 08:30 AM Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse A11 PRELIMINARY HEARING

link: Criminal Case Summary - Online Services - LA Court


Defendant Name: BROTHWELL, NATALIE SUMIKO

Upcoming Scheduled Events

Date Time Location Dept/Room Number
April 11, 2022 08:30 AM Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse A11 PRELIMINARY HEARING

link: Criminal Case Summary - Online Services - LA Court

<sigh>
These kids will never see real justice, will they?
<sigh>

 

[Niner]

Monday, April 11th:
*Preliminary Hearings (for both) (@ 8:30am PT) – CA- Maurice Taylor, Jr. (12) & Maliaka Taylor (13) (killed on Nov. 29, 2020, found on Dec. 4, 2020, Lancaster, found decapitated) – *Maurice Jewel Taylor, Sr. (34/now 35) father arrested (12/4/20), charged (12/8/20) & arraigned (12/21/20) & re-arraigned (11/10/21) with 2 counts of felony murder & 2 counts child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death (8 & 9 yr. old boys were starved for several days). Plead not guilty. $4.2M Bond.
*Natalie Sumiko Brothwell (44/now 45) “mom” charged (9/27/21) & arrested (9/28/21) & extradited to CA (10/14/21) & arraigned (11/10/21) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder & 2 counts of child endangerment. Plead not guilty. $2M bond. Bond raised (10/14/21) to $4.2M.
Court info from 12/4/20 & 9/27/21 to 2/2/22 reference post #299 here:
CA - Maurice Taylor Jr, 12 & Maliaka Taylor, 13, decapitated, Lancaster, Dec 2020 *parents arrested*
2/15/22 Update: Preliminary hearing reset on 2/23/22. Next status hearing on 3/25/22. 3/20/22 Update: Status hearing cancelled & preliminary hearing on 4/11/22.

 

[LaborDayRN]

Monday, April 11th:
*Preliminary Hearings (for both) (@ 8:30am PT) – CA- Maurice Taylor, Jr. (12) & Maliaka Taylor (13) (killed on Nov. 29, 2020, found on Dec. 4, 2020, Lancaster, found decapitated) – *Maurice Jewel Taylor, Sr. (34/now 35) father arrested (12/4/20), charged (12/8/20) & arraigned (12/21/20) & re-arraigned (11/10/21) with 2 counts of felony murder & 2 counts child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death (8 & 9 yr. old boys were starved for several days). Plead not guilty. $4.2M Bond.
*Natalie Sumiko Brothwell (44/now 45) “mom” charged (9/27/21) & arrested (9/28/21) & extradited to CA (10/14/21) & arraigned (11/10/21) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder & 2 counts of child endangerment. Plead not guilty. $2M bond. Bond raised (10/14/21) to $4.2M.
Court info from 12/4/20 & 9/27/21 to 2/2/22 reference post #299 here:
CA - Maurice Taylor Jr, 12 & Maliaka Taylor, 13, decapitated, Lancaster, Dec 2020 *parents arrested*
2/15/22 Update: Preliminary hearing reset on 2/23/22. Next status hearing on 3/25/22. 3/20/22 Update: Status hearing cancelled & preliminary hearing on 4/11/22.

Thanks @Niner
Finally some movement on this case!

 

[LaborDayRN]

Thanks @Niner
Finally some movement on this case!

Quoting myself. @Niner Any idea on the time? I have half a mind to go to the courthouse.
ETA: Sorry! I just saw the 8:30 time above! Dang it! I have a doctors appointment.

 

[Niner]

Quoting myself. @Niner Any idea on the time? I have half a mind to go to the courthouse.
ETA: Sorry! I just saw the 8:30 time above! Dang it! I have a doctors appointment.

Well dang it!! Sure wish you could make it - cancel your doctors' appointment! LOL!

 

[Nikynoo]

@Niner

Looks like next court date is 26 April 2022 for MT-
Next Court Code: A11 Next Court Date: 04/26/2022 Next Court Time: 0800 Next Court Case: MA08033501

Court Name: M.D.ANTONOVICH ANTELOPE VLY CT
Court Address: 42011 4TH STREET WEST Court City: LANCASTERUPT

Info for NB
Next Court Code: A11 Next Court Date: 04/26/2022 Next Court Time: 0830 Next Court Case: MA08033502

Court Name: M.D.ANTONOVICH ANTELOPE VLY CT
Court Address: 42011 4TH STREET WEST Court City: LANCASTERUPT

 

[Niner]

Thank you @Nikynoo !

Any idea what happened at their preliminary hearing? I take it they were bound over for trial.

TIA!

 

[Nikynoo]

Thank you @Nikynoo !

Any idea what happened at their preliminary hearing? I take it they were bound over for trial.

TIA!

No idea, I'm afraid. No news articles at all

 

[Niner]

Brothwell:

Upcoming Scheduled Events

Date Time Location Dept/Room Number
April 26, 2022 08:30 AM Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse A11 ARRAIGNMEN

link: Criminal Case Summary - Online Services - LA Court


Taylor

Upcoming Scheduled Events

Date Time Location Dept/Room Number
April 26, 2022 08:30 AM Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse A11 ARRAIGNMENT

link: Criminal Case Summary - Online Services - LA Court

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, April 26th:
*Arraignment Hearing for both (@ 8:30am PT) – CA- Maurice Taylor, Jr. (12) & Maliaka Taylor (13) (killed on Nov. 29, 2020, found on Dec. 4, 2020, Lancaster, found decapitated) – *Maurice Jewel Taylor, Sr. (34/now 35) father arrested (12/4/20), charged (12/8/20) & arraigned (12/21/20) & re-arraigned (11/10/21) with 2 counts of felony murder & 2 counts child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death (8 & 9 yr. old boys were starved for several days). Plead not guilty. $4.2M Bond.
Court info from 12/4/20 & 9/27/21 to 2/2/22 reference post #299 here:
CA - Maurice Taylor Jr, 12 & Maliaka Taylor, 13, decapitated, Lancaster, Dec 2020 *parents arrested*
2/15/22 Update: Preliminary hearing reset on 2/23/22. Next status hearing on 3/25/22. 3/20/22 Update: Status hearing cancelled & preliminary hearing on 4/11/22. 4/11/22 Update: Next arraignment hearing on 4/26/22 for Taylor @ 8:30am.
*CA - Maurice Taylor, Jr. (12) & Maliaka Taylor (13) (killed on Nov. 29, 2020, found on Dec. 4, 2020, Lancaster, found decapitated) - *Natalie Sumiko Brothwell (44/now 45) “mom” charged (9/27/21) & arrested (9/28/21) & extradited to CA (10/14/21) & arraigned (11/10/21) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder & 2 counts of child endangerment. Plead not guilty. $2M bond. Bond raised (10/14/21) to $4.2M.
Court info from 12/4/20 & 9/27/21 to 2/2/22 reference post #299 here:
CA - Maurice Taylor Jr, 12 & Maliaka Taylor, 13, decapitated, Lancaster, Dec 2020 *parents arrested*
2/15/22 Update: Preliminary hearing reset on 2/23/22. Next status hearing on 3/25/22. 3/20/22 Update: Status hearing cancelled & preliminary hearing on 4/11/22. 4/11/22 Update: Next arraignment hearing on 4/26/22 for Brothwell @ 8:30am.

 

[Niner]

Taylor & Brothwell:

Upcoming Scheduled Events

Date Time Location Dept/Room Number
June 23, 2022 08:30 AM Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse A11 PRETRIAL HEARING

link: Criminal Case Summary - Online Services - LA Court

 

[LaborDayRN]

Taylor & Brothwell:

Upcoming Scheduled Events

Date Time Location Dept/Room Number
June 23, 2022 08:30 AM Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse A11 PRETRIAL HEARING

link: Criminal Case Summary - Online Services - LA Court

Thanks @Niner
What a strange case. Crickets! Where is the news media on this one!

 

[Niner]

Thursday, June 23rd:
*Pretrial Hearing for both (@ 8:30am PT) – CA- Maurice Taylor, Jr. (12) & Maliaka Taylor (13) (killed on Nov. 29, 2020, found on Dec. 4, 2020, Lancaster, found decapitated) – *Maurice Jewel Taylor, Sr. (34/now 35) father arrested (12/4/20), charged (12/8/20) & arraigned (12/21/20) & re-arraigned (11/10/21) & re-arraigned (4/26/22) with 2 counts of felony murder & 2 counts child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death (8 & 9 yr. old boys were starved for several days). Plead not guilty. $4.2M Bond.
Court info from 12/4/20 & 9/27/21 to 3/20/22 reference post #316 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-dec-2020-parents-arrested.552703/page-16
4/11/22 Update: Next arraignment hearing on 4/26/22 for Taylor @ 8:30am. 4/26/22 Update: Next pretrial conference hearing on 6/23/22.
*CA - Maurice Taylor, Jr. (12) & Maliaka Taylor (13) (killed on Nov. 29, 2020, found on Dec. 4, 2020, Lancaster, found decapitated) - *Natalie Sumiko Brothwell (44/now 45) “mom” charged (9/27/21) & arrested (9/28/21) & extradited to CA (10/14/21) & arraigned (11/10/21) & re-arraigned (4/26/22) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder & 2 counts of child endangerment. Plead not guilty. $2M bond. Bond raised (10/14/21) to $4.2M.
Court info from 12/4/20 & 9/27/21 to 3/20/22 reference post #316 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-dec-2020-parents-arrested.552703/page-16
4/11/22 Update: Next arraignment hearing on 4/26/22 for Brothwell @ 8:30am. 4/26/22 Update: Next pretrial conference hearing on 6/23/22.

 

[LaborDayRN]

This has most likely already been posted (it's from Feb. 2022) but I will keep my eye on this site to see if they post an update today or tomorrow.

Parents plead not guilty in decapitation of two children in Lancaster

LANCASTER - The parents of a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl who were decapitated in Lancaster pleaded not guilty Wednesday to murder and child abuse charges.The children's father, Maurice Jewel Taylor Sr., now 35, was arrested in December 2020 and charged with two counts of murder involv

theavtimes.com