02/18/1994 - Report #237 - Victim: Mary L. Taylor - Location: Jennings, MO

MCS Report #237

Classification: Homicide

Requesting Agency: Jennings Police Department

Date of Activation: 02/18/1994

Commander and Department: Det. Sgt. Jerry Burke, Florissant PD

Deputy Report Officer and Department: Det. Dusty O.E. Royer, Chesterfield PD

Victim: Mary L. Taylor

Suspect: Michael Shane Roberts and Willie A. Portwood

The Jennings Police Department requested the assistance of the Major Case Squad in investigating the death of Mary Taylor. At approximately 6:17pm, police officers responded to a residence in the 5400 block of Hamilton Avenue for a report of a sudden death. There they located Mary Taylor (age 56) lying on the floor of the residence covered in blood. She was pronounced dead on scene. It was later learned she had been beaten and stabbed.

As a result of this investigation, the following criminal charges were issued in connection with Mary’s death:

• Michael Roberts (age 19) - Murder 1st Degree, Robbery 1st Degree, Burglary 2nd Degree, Stealing Felony, Stealing a Motor Vehicle, Armed Criminal Action - No bond warrant

• Willie Portwood (age 36) Robbery 1st Degree - Bond $50,000