Husband Walks in on Elderly Wife’s Murder and Finds Killer Inside Home

A California man has been arrested after allegedly killing a 71-year-old woman inside her own home — a horrifying discovery made by the victim’s husband when he returned from work.

Authorities say Wanda Taylor was found with “traumatic injuries” at her National City residence on Wednesday, Aug. 20. When police arrived in response to a 911 call, they discovered Taylor in a pool of blood, partially covered by a blanket, and later pronounced her dead at the scene.

Her husband, Ernest Taylor, told NBC 7 that he walked into the nightmare after coming home from a painting job. He said he found the house in disarray, his wife lying motionless on the floor — and the alleged killer still inside.

“He was right there,” Ernest recalled, identifying the suspect as 42-year-old Noel Trevino. “He was pacing up, mumbling crazy words. That’s when I left and called for help. I just saw my wife lying there under a blanket.”

Ernest said the suspect had disturbed parts of their home, taking down family portraits of Wanda and their grandchildren and throwing them into the recycle bin.

Wanda, who worked with the San Diego Unified School District assisting special education students and supporting young teen mothers, was described by family and friends as deeply loved. “She’s loved from the East Coast to the West Coast,” Ernest said, holding back tears. “Ninety percent of the time, we’d just do stuff together. We’re theatre buffs — it was wonderful.”

Police say Trevino attempted to flee when officers arrived but was captured after a short pursuit. He allegedly tried to escape custody again but was unsuccessful. He has been charged with one count of homicide and is scheduled to be arraigned Monday, Aug. 25, after his initial Friday court date was postponed due to health concerns.