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.
East Lancaster says
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
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
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
It’s appalling that instead of offering condolences he had to puff out his chest to let everyone know he is mayor. #NotMyMayor
DD says
Beheaded as well, i have read.
Noone says
Where did u hear that this how. Nasty rumors are started.. So where did u read they where beheaded … ???
Kiki says
Thus is true not rumors
Raul says
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.
Decapitation says
Drugs.
Yvette says
Any names ?
Jesse C says
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
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
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
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