CA - Maurice Taylor Jr, 12 & Maliaka Taylor, 13, decapitated, Lancaster, Dec 2020 *parents arrested*

[LaborDayRN]

Any information why it took longer to arrest the mother? I remember the father was arrested first and then, some time later (I want to say, months) it was reported that the mother was also arrested.

If I recall from way back when this happened, the "mother" left the state and was later returned to CA by law enforcement.

 

[LaborDayRN]

Any information why it took longer to arrest the mother? I remember the father was arrested first and then, some time later (I want to say, months) it was reported that the mother was also arrested.

If I recall correctly "mom" left the state. I think she may have gone to AZ? where her family was, and was brought back to CA by LE. sorry for the double post. I'm doing too many things at once

 

[Nikynoo]

Part one -opening statement prosecution

 

[BajaMah]

Omg… This is absolutely sickening!

 

[OneLove]

Part one -opening statement prosecution

But for that ONE client who "knew"....omg

What did she/he know? What keen observations?

This level of call for help seems above and beyond the call of duty, and thank heavens for that.

Sometimes our innate instincts pick up on cues and create a sense of "knowing w/o knowing"... what did that client know?

 

[Niner]

Monday, Nov. 3rd:
*Trial continues (Day 11) (@ 8:30am PT) – CA- Maurice Taylor, Jr. (12) & Maliaka Taylor (13) (killed on Nov. 29, 2020, found on Dec. 4, 2020, Lancaster, found decapitated) – *Maurice Jewel Taylor, Sr. (34/now 38) “father” arrested (12/4/20), charged (12/8/20) & arraigned (12/21/20) & re-arraigned (11/10/21) & re-arraigned (4/26/22) with 2 counts of felony murder & 2 counts child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death (8 & 9 yr. old boys were starved for several days). Plead not guilty. $4.2M Bond.
*Natalie Sumiko Brothwell (44/now 48) “mom” charged (9/27/21) & arrested (9/28/21) & extradited to CA (10/14/21) & arraigned (11/10/21) & re-arraigned (4/26/22) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder & 2 counts of child endangerment (8 & 9 yr. old boys). Plead not guilty. $2M bond. Bond raised (10/14/21) to $4.2M. LA County
Jury selection began on 10/14/25 & ended 10/17/25.
Trial began on 10/20/25.
Show Cause hearing on 11/21/25 @ 8:30am.
Judge Michael D Antonovich presiding. Deputy DAs Kirsten A. Brown & Alexander F. Lara. Taylor's attorney Christopher Chaney & Brothwell's attorney Hung Phi Du.
Court info from 12/4/20 & 9/27/21 thru 10/8/25r& Jury Selection Day 1-4 (10/14-17/25) & Trial Days 1-9 (10/20-29/25) reference post #501 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-dec-2020-parents-arrested.552703/page-26
10/30/25 Thursday, Trial Day 10:. No info available. Trial continues on Monday, 11/3/25.

 

[BajaMah]

But for that ONE client who "knew"....omg

What did she/he know? What keen observations?

This level of call for help seems above and beyond the call of duty, and thank heavens for that.

Sometimes our innate instincts pick up on cues and create a sense of "knowing w/o knowing"... what did that client know?

I had read at the beginning, in news articles, that a male client of his also called looking for Maurice when he didn’t show up for work (zoom). He claimed he worked with Maurice Taylor for 7(?) years, and he was the nicest guy… hmmmm….
I find it very interesting that the father , Maurice Taylor, has a private defense attorney. The name was mentioned in the opening statement. I looked him up. The mother- Natalie Brothwell has a Public Defender. Taylor’s clients said they had no money, so who paid for his private attorney? They were struggling financially according to Taylor’s clients.

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, Nov. 4th:
*Trial continues (Day 12) (@ 8:30am PT) – CA- Maurice Taylor, Jr. (12) & Maliaka Taylor (13) (killed on Nov. 29, 2020, found on Dec. 4, 2020, Lancaster, found decapitated) – *Maurice Jewel Taylor, Sr. (34/now 38) “father” arrested (12/4/20), charged (12/8/20) & arraigned (12/21/20) & re-arraigned (11/10/21) & re-arraigned (4/26/22) with 2 counts of felony murder & 2 counts child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death (8 & 9 yr. old boys were starved for several days). Plead not guilty. $4.2M Bond.
*Natalie Sumiko Brothwell (44/now 48) “mom” charged (9/27/21) & arrested (9/28/21) & extradited to CA (10/14/21) & arraigned (11/10/21) & re-arraigned (4/26/22) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder & 2 counts of child endangerment (8 & 9 yr. old boys). Plead not guilty. $2M bond. Bond raised (10/14/21) to $4.2M. LA County
Jury selection began on 10/14/25 & ended 10/17/25.
Trial began on 10/20/25.
Show Cause hearing on 11/21/25 @ 8:30am.
Judge Michael D Antonovich presiding. Deputy DAs Kirsten A. Brown & Alexander F. Lara. Taylor's attorney Christopher Chaney & Brothwell's attorney Hung Phi Du.
Court info from 12/4/20 & 9/27/21 thru 10/8/25r& Jury Selection Day 1-4 (10/14-17/25) & Trial Days 1-10 (10/20-30/25) reference post #526 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-dec-2020-parents-arrested.552703/page-27
11/3/25 Monday, Trial Day 11:. No other info available. Trial continues on Tuesday, 11/4/25.

 

[Niner]

Future Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
11/21/2025 08:30AM Order to Show Cause Hearing
Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Dept. - A18

11/04/2025 08:30AM Jury Trial in Progress
Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Dept. - A18

Past Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
11/03/2025 08:30AM Jury Trial in Progress
Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Dept. - A18

link: LA Court

 

[Nikynoo]

I had read at the beginning, in news articles, that a male client of his also called looking for Maurice when he didn’t show up for work (zoom). He claimed he worked with Maurice Taylor for 7(?) years, and he was the nicest guy… hmmmm….
I find it very interesting that the father , Maurice Taylor, has a private defense attorney. The name was mentioned in the opening statement. I looked him up. The mother- Natalie Brothwell has a Public Defender. Taylor’s clients said they had no money, so who paid for his private attorney? They were struggling financially according to Taylor’s clients.

Does he have a private attorney or was that attorney appointed by the court to avoid a conflict of interest in the oublic defenders office? I seem to recall a case previosuly (Turpin) where one of the parents had a private attorney appointed by the court for the above reason. Each parent is entitled to their own representation.

The client you speak of is also an attorney, but not in criminal law (as far as I can tell).

 

[Niner]

Does he have a private attorney or was that attorney appointed by the court to avoid a conflict of interest in the oublic defenders office? I seem to recall a case previosuly (Turpin) where one of the parents had a private attorney appointed by the court for the above reason. Each parent is entitled to their own representation.

The client you speak of is also an attorney, but not in criminal law (as far as I can tell).

from my notes -
Rebecca's defense attorneys are Jeff Moore OR Paulette Garthwaite & Jake had attorney Allison Lowe. Do not know if either ones are public defenders.
Sorry! Now sure IF Rebecca has both these people though. I "think" Garthwaite was first & then came Moore.

 

[LaborDayRN]

Natalie Brothwell Attorney Opening Statement in Full. The podcaster has part two up on youtube.​

 

[Niner]

Future Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
11/21/2025 08:30AM Order to Show Cause Hearing
Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Dept. - A18

11/05/2025 08:30AM Jury Trial in Progress
Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Dept. - A18

Past Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
11/04/2025 08:30AM Jury Trial in Progress
Held - Jury Trial Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Dept. - A18

link: LA Court

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, Nov. 5th:
*Trial continues (Day 13) (@ 8:30am PT) – CA- Maurice Taylor, Jr. (12) & Maliaka Taylor (13) (killed on Nov. 29, 2020, found on Dec. 4, 2020, Lancaster, found decapitated) – *Maurice Jewel Taylor, Sr. (34/now 38) “father” arrested (12/4/20), charged (12/8/20) & arraigned (12/21/20) & re-arraigned (11/10/21) & re-arraigned (4/26/22) with 2 counts of felony murder & 2 counts child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death (8 & 9 yr. old boys were starved for several days). Plead not guilty. $4.2M Bond.
*Natalie Sumiko Brothwell (44/now 48) “mom” charged (9/27/21) & arrested (9/28/21) & extradited to CA (10/14/21) & arraigned (11/10/21) & re-arraigned (4/26/22) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder & 2 counts of child endangerment (8 & 9 yr. old boys). Plead not guilty. $2M bond. Bond raised (10/14/21) to $4.2M. LA County
Jury selection began on 10/14/25 & ended 10/17/25.
Trial began on 10/20/25.
Show Cause hearing on 11/21/25 @ 8:30am.
Judge Michael D Antonovich presiding. Deputy DAs Kirsten A. Brown & Alexander F. Lara. Taylor's attorney Christopher Chaney & Brothwell's attorney Hung Phi Du.
Court info from 12/4/20 & 9/27/21 thru 10/8/25r& Jury Selection Day 1-4 (10/14-17/25) & Trial Days 1-11 (10/20-11/3/25) reference post #528 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-dec-2020-parents-arrested.552703/page-27
11/4/25 Tuesday, Trial Day 12:. No other info available. Trial continues on Wednesday, 11/5/25.

 

[Niner]

Future Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
11/21/2025 08:30AM Order to Show Cause Hearing
Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Dept. - A18

11/06/2025 08:30AM Jury Trial in Progress
Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Dept. - A18

Past Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
11/05/2025 08:30AM Jury Trial in Progress
Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Dept. - A18

link: LA Court

 

[Niner]

Thursday, Nov. 6th:
*Trial continues (Day 14) (@ 8:30am PT) – CA- Maurice Taylor, Jr. (12) & Maliaka Taylor (13) (killed on Nov. 29, 2020, found on Dec. 4, 2020, Lancaster, found decapitated) – *Maurice Jewel Taylor, Sr. (34/now 38) “father” arrested (12/4/20), charged (12/8/20) & arraigned (12/21/20) & re-arraigned (11/10/21) & re-arraigned (4/26/22) with 2 counts of felony murder & 2 counts child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death (8 & 9 yr. old boys were starved for several days). Plead not guilty. $4.2M Bond.
*Natalie Sumiko Brothwell (44/now 48) “mom” charged (9/27/21) & arrested (9/28/21) & extradited to CA (10/14/21) & arraigned (11/10/21) & re-arraigned (4/26/22) with 2 counts of 1st degree murder & 2 counts of child endangerment (8 & 9 yr. old boys). Plead not guilty. $2M bond. Bond raised (10/14/21) to $4.2M. LA County
Jury selection began on 10/14/25 & ended 10/17/25.
Trial began on 10/20/25.
Show Cause hearing on 11/21/25 @ 8:30am.
Judge Michael D Antonovich presiding. Deputy DAs Kirsten A. Brown & Alexander F. Lara. Taylor's attorney Christopher Chaney & Brothwell's attorney Hung Phi Du.
Court info from 12/4/20 & 9/27/21 thru 10/8/25r& Jury Selection Day 1-4 (10/14-17/25) & Trial Days 1-12 (10/20-11/4/25) reference post #534 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-dec-2020-parents-arrested.552703/page-27
11/5/25 Wednesday, Trial Day 13:. No other info available. Trial continues on Thursday, 11/6/25.

 

[Snoopster]

This is so frustrating that there are no media updates on this case. <sigh>

 

[Niner]

Looks like the trial has stopped ----


Future Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
11/21/2025 08:30AM Order to Show Cause Hearing
Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Dept. - A18

Past Proceedings
Date Time Type Result Location Department
11/06/2025 08:30AM Jury Trial in Progress
Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Dept. - A18

link: https://www.lacourt.org/criminalcasesummary/ui/

 

[Snoopster]

I finally had the opportunity to watch the video (part 2) where the podcaster was reading Natalie Brothwell's attorney's (Mr. Du) opening statement for the defense. (Maurice Taylor's attorney - Mr Cheney - has reserved his statement until the opening of the defense portion of the trial.)

WARNING: GRAPHIC AND POSSIBLY TRIGGERING COMMENTS BELOW! READ WITH CAUTION OR SCROLL BY!




Here are some key points made by NB's attorney. [I've bolded the main thrust of her defense]:

- NB was faced with a 'Sophie's Choice', deciding to 'play along' with MT in order to save herself and her 2 surviving children (Mx & Mt)
- MT had a psychotic break on Nov 29 (2 days after Thanksgiving)
- NB didn't participate in the killings. Mx/Mt often said in interviews "mom & dad", because kids often see parents as a unit and may not distinguish who did what
- the 2 younger boys who were asleep in their room, didn't see Junior being killed. They woke up to screams.
- in an effort to save them, NB took Mx/Mt to the master bedroom to hide them; tried to calm them to keep them quiet; and locked the door.
- NB went to Junior's room to find out what was going on. Sees Jr is dead. She screams and is hysterical. Evidence will show that the other boys heard her screams.
- NB gets on knees, checks pulse. MT says he had to do it. MT says they were demons. MT orders NB to the kitchen to clean up.
- MT then goes for Mt. He kicks down master bedroom door. NB pleads for him to stop as they are not demons.
- Malaika runs into the hall and says 'take me. They're not demons'.
- NB takes Mt/Mx to bathroom and hides them. Says to be quiet and lock door.
- NB goes back toward master bedroom. MT in process of decap.
- Then it was about survival. NB spends next several days trying to convince MT that Mx/Mt are not demons. Every time he would hear them make noise he would believe the demons were coming again. NB would have to convince him each time that Mx/Mt aren't demons.
- Mx and Mt stories changed over time and encourage to retell story many times. Developed false memories.
- MT confessed to killing kids and never said NB was involved.
- Will hear from a neighbor that NB was a virtual prisoner in her house. Saw NB 3 times in 5 years.
- evidence that earlier in relationship NB was subject to physical domestic violence. This evolved over time to control (emotional, physical, economic, social)
- NB was raised around paranoia. Was predisposed to believe surrounded and that bad people were around the house.
- In light of NB's history of paranoia; isolation due to Covid; overall isolation; and controlling partner -- made sense that she played along to appease the person she knows is capable of killing her 2 children.
- Only reason Mx and Mt are alive today is because NB saved them.
- Saw a clip of NB that shows she's not a great mom, but it's just one clip at one moment where she made a bad decision disciplining her kids. It doesn't represent the full scope and time of her relationship with her kids.

 

[Snoopster]

WARNING!! GRAPHIC AND UPSETTING COMMENTS BELOW. READ WITH CAUTION!





While I can believe that an isolated person who has been emotionally abused could be traumatized and therefore 'play along' with the abuser, a few things in NB's defense opening gives me doubt in this defense (of course this is without the benefit of seeing any evidence yet) in my opinion.

1) defense says the kids generally consider parents as a unit, using the term "mom and dad" to mean either parent, and defense says surviving kids have false memories. This seems to be setting the stage for testimony from the kids that implicates NB.

2) defense says NB was sent to kitchen to clean up after Jr was killed. This might be to counter the expected testimony from the kids where they said they saw their mother going to the kitchen to get more killing tools [per the prosecution's opening statement]. I find it difficult to believe that, if MT was going through a psychotic killing frenzy he would worry about cleaning stuff up in the middle of it.

3) defense says NB grew up in an environment surrounded by paranoia, which left her predisposed to paranoia. Doesn't this imply that she could have had the same paranoia as MT? How does this help her defense?

4) defense makes mention of a damaging clip showing NB inappropriately disciplining her children. It seems that defense it trying to get out ahead of this damaging piece of evidence about NB's parental behavior. I wonder what's in this clip. It must be bad.

5) the order of events is confusing. If MT was in a psychotic state, why didn't NB follow MT to Junior's room. Why did she go to Mx/Mt's room? Why was she calming them if screams and banging were coming from Junior's room? Are we to believe that it was only THEN that NB went to see what was going on?

6) NB apparently walked into Junior's room to see that he was dead. She kneeled down to check his pulse (was he already decap'd at this point??) getting blood all over her. Was this all to explain why the boys saw her bloody, going to the kitchen?

7) I find the 'story' that Malaika comes running into the hall saying 'they're not demons, take me' a bit unbelievable. Surely she wouldn't have had time to completely understand what was going on.