Wanda Taylor dies in fatal stabbing in National City

Wanda Taylor dies in fatal stabbing in National City

Fatal stabbing in National City death of Wanda Taylor

The home on Division Street where Wanda Taylor and her husband Ernest have resided since 1996 became the tragic site of her murder Wednesday afternoon. NBC 7 reported on Thursday that Mr. Taylor discovered the scene upon returning. The couple, married for 35 years, had been living peacefully until this horrific event unfolded before lunchtime.

A family friend described the profound impact of the random violence: “Just to have somebody, a random person, come into your house and stab you. This lady didn’t have a chance… These are good people, and they are God fearing people. It hurts.”

Mr. Taylor shared that the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Noel Trevino, had been observed near their property for approximately 45 minutes while a neighbor played with her son outdoors. Despite this prolonged observation, no apparent connection between the suspect and the victim was established by investigators.

The couple’s lives intertwined through shared interests in local theater and mutual respect. Wanda Taylor, a retired contract analyst for the San Diego Unified School District, was known for her kindness and attentive listening. Mr. Taylor expressed no prior familiarity with Trevino.

The timeline of the incident began around 10:30 a.m. when surveillance footage captured Trevino approaching the home. The video indicates the attack commenced in the driveway where Wanda Taylor was attempting to enter the side door. Following the stabbing, the suspect pushed the victim inside before fleeing the scene on foot around 2:15 p.m. when police arrived.

Taylor recounted finding his wife wrapped in a blanket with bloodstains on the floor. He described Trevino pacing erratically and mumbling incoherently before he departed. The neighbor, Linda Jeppson, expressed unease at the suspect’s persistent presence and unusual demeanor, stating, “I got uneasy because he just continued to stay there and stare at me.”

Evidence gathered from security footage and found throughout the residence depicted the extent of the disturbance. Items including photographs of Wanda and her grandchildren were reportedly placed in the recycle bin. The downstairs was reportedly disheveled, and upstairs bore signs of a struggle. Medical personnel discovered Wanda Taylor deceased shortly after paramedics arrived on the scene.

Law enforcement investigations confirmed no prior acquaintance between the victim and the suspect existed. The emotional toll on the community remains significant, as the peaceful existence of the Taylor family has been irrevocably altered by this senseless violence.