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Two people dead in Lancaster; investigation underway [updated]

by The AV Times Staff • December 4, 2020

The deaths were reported around 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in the 45000 block of Century Circle. [Image by BRYAN HALL]
UPDATE: Around 6:26 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, detectives arrested 34-year-old Maurice Taylor Sr. for the murder of his 12-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter, authorities announced. Taylor was booked at the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station and is being held on $2 million bail.

UPDATE: The deceased have been identified as 13-year-old Malaka Taylor and 12-year-old Maurice Taylor Jr., both of Lancaster, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

**Earlier story**

LANCASTER – A male and female, believed to be in their teens, died Friday at a residence in Lancaster – possibly of stab wounds – and homicide detectives are interviewing four people who were in the residence at the time, authorities said.

The deaths were discovered around 7:51 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, when Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics responded to the 45000 Block of Century Circle “regarding a possible gas leak at the location,” according to Lt. Brandon Dean of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau.

Upon discovering the two bodies, the paramedics exited the location and called the sheriff’s department, Dean said.

“LA County Sheriff’s deputies responded out to the location and saw that there were two individuals inside, both very young, possibly in their teenage years, deceased,” Lt. Dean told reporters at the scene. “One appears to be a male, one appears to be a female, possibly suffering from some type of a sharp trauma, either stabbing or slicing device.”

Dean continued: “Our deputies are currently questioning four individuals that were also inside the location, two of them appearing to be children and two of them appearing to be adults.”

Dean said one of the adults was transported to a local hospital “just for difficulty breathing.”  He said detectives are still investigating, but do not believe the pair died as a result of a natural gas leak.

“Again, we’re just trying to exactly figure out the cause of death of the two decedents inside, and the relationship between the four other individuals that were inside the location,” Dean said.

Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris told the Los Angeles Times that the two victims were decapitated, but the sheriff’s department has not confirmed this information. The victims names have not yet been released.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

The area around 7th street east and Avenue H-13 remained blocked off on Friday, Dec. 4, to allow for the ongoing investigation. [BRYAN HALL]

 

Filed Under: Crime/ Safety, Home, Lancaster

15 comments for "Two people dead in Lancaster; investigation underway [updated]"

  1. East Lancaster says

    December 6, 2020 at 8:42 am

    Asked how he knew the victims were decapitated, Parris replied: “I’m the mayor of this city. I’m supposed to know these things.”

    What a pompous and idiotic statement from the mayor who has lied to us on many occasions about crime and other policies. Remember the sheriff that Rex claimed was shot and was in great pain? Only problem was, there was no sheriff who was shot and in great pain. It was a lie. Then we were told that bird sounds were lowering crime across the city. Another line of BS from the Bearded One. Who can forget how safe we were going to be when he told us LEAPS would be a sentinel in the sky. More garbage spewed from his mouth . From Chinese birth tourism to supposedly fixing our roads with a black sealant, Rex is someone who is to be trusted at your own peril.

    • Show some empathy says

      December 6, 2020 at 11:22 am

      What an appalling comment, East Lancaster. Two children are murdered by their father and you’re talking about fixing roads and LEAPS.

      • East Lancaster says

        December 6, 2020 at 12:22 pm

        Yes, it was very tragic and sad. Our hearts are broken.

        In light of this horrific incident, we would hope for a more empathetic comment from our leader rather than his reminder that he is the Mayor. Instead of compassion and kindness, we get more of it’s all about Rex. It’s getting old.

        May God grant peace and rest to the deceased and comfort all who mourn over this senseless tragedy.

      • Anon says

        December 6, 2020 at 2:44 pm

        It’s appalling that instead of offering condolences he had to puff out his chest to let everyone know he is mayor. #NotMyMayor

  2. DD says

    December 5, 2020 at 10:07 am

    Beheaded as well, i have read.

    • Noone says

      December 6, 2020 at 1:54 pm

      Where did u hear that this how. Nasty rumors are started.. So where did u read they where beheaded … ???

      • Kiki says

        December 7, 2020 at 9:45 am

        Thus is true not rumors

        • Raul says

          December 7, 2020 at 10:23 am

          Rex said it. It must be true. He is the one who told us about the sheriff that was shot by someone from a mentally ill housing facility. Rex is never wrong. Except when he speaks.

          • jj says

            January 27, 2021 at 5:06 pm

            Maybe it was the wife who did it, or decieved him. Either way…there is absolutely no reason to do some [removed] like that to your kids.
            Mankind has ruined life as we know it..

  3. Decapitation says

    December 4, 2020 at 6:15 pm

    Drugs.

  4. Yvette says

    December 4, 2020 at 6:10 pm

    Any names ?

    • Jesse C says

      December 4, 2020 at 11:25 pm

      To Yvette,
      The father was arrested. Both parents were there, as well as 2 other children who were unharmed.
      The dad’s name is Maurice Taylor age 34. He was well liked and his rep from his clients all said his work ethics excellent, he was very diligent in his work, always punctual and very dependable. He worked very hard to support his family. He was also reported to be very mellow, and one of the kindest nicest person they came to know…
      His wife on the other hand was not well liked. She was controlling…I’ll just stop here.
      What a horrible tragedy and very puzzling as to what led to this very disturbing murder. Such a shame.

      • Val says

        December 5, 2020 at 8:04 pm

        This is such a sad case. We’re already going through hard enough times and family is the closest thing that people need right now. Those two innocent children didn’t deserve this at all. For the family that is left and affected by this I pray and send my blessings.
        This is utterly devastating and sad.

    • Nobodyouknow says

      December 10, 2020 at 12:36 am

      Sorry this is more then drugs. Everyone wants to place blame on something. Ive done every possible combination of drugs and never have I even had one second of a thought to kill my kids. This is beyond mental health this is evil!!

      • Faith says

        December 28, 2020 at 8:03 pm

        I totally agree with you. Something really evil was in that man to make him do such a thing all we can do is pray for the whole family even the father that he gets the help he needs to forgive himself for what he has done

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