Wanda Taylor dies in fatal stabbing in her National City home

Wanda Taylor dies in fatal stabbing in her National City home

Fatal stabbing in National City home death of Wanda Taylor

A man who authorities claim pretended to be a door-to-door salesman before surprising and murdering a 71-year-old woman inside her National City residence has been taken into custody. Noel Trevino, a 30-year-old man, is accused of waiting outside the home before attacking Wanda Taylor shortly after she arrived back alone from making an errand.

Prosecutors detailed the incident on Monday, explaining that Trevino allegedly lured himself into Taylor’s home on Division Street near D Avenue, near the center of National City, by presenting himself as a legitimate salesman. The victim, identified as Wanda Fransaw by official court records but widely recognized as Wanda Taylor through other media channels and her professional online profile, was reportedly killed on Wednesday, August 20th.

The narrative presented by investigators indicates that early Wednesday morning, Trevino arrived at the front door, purportedly in the uniform of a salesperson. After a brief exchange with the homeowner, who according to reports left the house about ten minutes after their initial interaction, the suspect returned to the property approximately an hour later. Surveillance footage allegedly captured Trevino circling the property and checking various doors.

When the victim returned to her home around midday, Trevino is said to have followed her from the backyard. He reportedly hit her twice with a large rock before using several kitchen knives to stab her to death. The suspect then fled the property but was eventually apprehended after witnesses observed him escaping from a second-story window. A police canine unit and other non-lethal means were reportedly used to subdue him.

Following his capture, Trevino appeared in court for his arraignment on Monday. The courtroom atmosphere became somber as the victim’s husband, Ernest Taylor, and other family members displayed visible grief while the prosecutor laid out the details of the alleged killing. Judge Campos denied bail, citing the heinous nature of the crime, the lack of any apparent motive or connection between the killer and the victim, and concerns about flight.

Ernest Taylor expressed deep sorrow, noting that his wife was a well-loved individual who had been touched by people across the country. He highlighted her career as a contract supervisor and her contributions to the education system, specifically working with special education students and young mothers. The community is mourning the loss of a woman described as a friend from coast to coast.

Trevino faces charges including murder, burglary, and resisting arrest. His defense attorney was not immediately available for comment. Police continue to review the case, and the suspect is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.