Steven R. Taylor

Background

Steven R. Taylor was sentenced to death on December 9, 1991. His sentencing was associated with the Fourth Judicial Circuit, Duval County, Case #91-2456. The sentencing judge was The Honorable R.

Taylor was born on 09/25/69.

The offence

Taylor was convicted of:

• Count I: First-Degree Murder of Alice Vest
• Count II: Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling
• Count III: Sexual Battery with Deadly Weapon

Investigation

On 02/16/91, Taylor was arrested.

On 09/12/91, Taylor was indicted on the following counts:

• Count I: First-Degree Murder (Alice Vest)

Trial

On 10/10/91, Taylor was found guilty on all counts charged in the indictment.

Upon advisory sentencing, the jury, by a 10 to 2 majority, voted for the death penalty.

On 4/15/94, Taylor received a life sentence for each conviction of Burglary and Sexual Assault.

Sentencing

On 12/09/91, Taylor was sentenced as follows:

• Count I: First-Degree Murder (Alice Vest) — Death
• Count II: Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling — 15 Years
• Count III: Sexual Battery with Deadly Weapon — 27 Years

Appeals

Taylor filed his Direct Appeal in the Florida Supreme Court on 12/16/91. The issues addressed included:

• that the trial court erred in not suppressing Taylor’s conversation with a police officer after the DNA samples were taken and after Taylor invoked his right to remain silent and his right to counsel
• that the trial court erred in admitting evidence that the stolen Ford Ranchero was seen near the Vest’s home and then found near Taylor’s residence
• that the trial court erred in admitting cumulative photographs of Vest’s body because they created a prejudicial effect
• that the trial court erred in finding the murder to be heinous, atrocious or cruel
• that the trial court erred in admitting testimony about Taylor’s plan to attempt an escape

The Florida Supreme Court did not find errors that warranted reversing the conviction or sentence and affirmed the conviction and sentence on 12/16/93.

Rehearing was denied on 02/10/94.

A mandate was issued on 03/14/94.

On 05/11/94, Taylor filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari in the United States Supreme Court. The petition was denied on 10/03/94.

Outcome

The Florida Supreme Court affirmed the conviction and sentence.

The mandate was issued on 03/14/94, and the United States Supreme Court denied certiorari on 10/03/94.

Aftermath

Taylor filed a 3.850 Motion in the circuit court on 11/01/95.

An amended 3.850 Motion was filed on 06/23/03 and 05/13/04. The motion is pending.