Maurice Jewel Taylor Sr., 39, and Natalie Sumiko Brothwell, 49, residents of Lancaster, California, have been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murders of their two eldest children. The sentencing, handed down on Monday, follows a jury’s guilty verdict in November on two felony counts of first-degree murder.
Details of the Case
The case began in December 2020 when authorities were alerted after Taylor, a personal trainer in Santa Monica, missed scheduled Zoom meetings with clients. Concerned, the clients contacted law enforcement. Deputies responding to the family home discovered the bodies of a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl in separate bedrooms.
Prosecutors characterized the murders as a “monstrous” act of violence. Evidence presented at trial revealed the children were stabbed and decapitated. Beyond the murders, the district attorney’s office stated that Taylor and Brothwell forced their two younger sons, ages 8 and 9, to view their siblings’ bodies and confined them to their bedrooms without food for several days.
Sentencing and Protective Measures
Venusse D. Dunn, a spokesperson for the district attorney’s office, confirmed that Taylor and Brothwell each received a six-year sentence in addition to two consecutive life-without-parole terms. The couple’s two surviving sons have been placed under a 10-year protective order issued by the court.
The crime deeply impacted the Lancaster community, as noted by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who stated the murders “shattered an entire family.”
What Might Happen Next
It is likely the surviving children will require extensive and ongoing therapeutic support to cope with the trauma they endured. A possible next step for child protective services could involve long-term monitoring and support for the boys as they transition into adulthood. The case could also prompt a review of existing protocols for identifying and intervening in cases of suspected child abuse, though any changes would require legislative action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against Taylor and Brothwell?
Maurice Jewel Taylor Sr. and Natalie Sumiko Brothwell were found guilty of two felony counts of first-degree murder.
How long were the surviving children confined?
The couple forced their two younger sons to remain confined in their bedrooms without food for several days.
When were Taylor and Brothwell arrested?
Taylor and Brothwell were arrested in December 2020.
How does a community begin to heal after such a devastating event?
