New Jersey woman who outsmarted serial killer and escaped in 2016 dies at 44

Tiffany Taylor, the New Jersey woman who escaped serial killer Khalil Wheeler-Weaver while handcuffed and later helped prosecutors convict him, has died at age 44.

Taylor’s survival and testimony helped bring justice for three women murdered by Wheeler-Weaver. Her story also raised serious questions about how police responded when she reported the attack.

Her mother, Lola Acevedo, announced Taylor’s death through a GoFundMe campaign. According to Acevedo, Taylor died suddenly in her sleep. Her family is raising money for funeral and burial expenses.

Tiffany Taylor Was A Fighter

Taylor grew up in Jersey City‘s public housing. Throughout her life, she faced significant challenges and endured difficult experiences. However, one of the most traumatic events came in November 2016, when she survived an attack by Wheeler-Weaver.

Taylor first met Wheeler-Weaver through a mutual friend in 2016. Months later, he contacted her using an unfamiliar phone number and arranged another meeting.

On November 15, 2016, Taylor met him at the Ritz Motel. During the encounter, he attacked and restrained her. When he removed his mask, she recognized him as someone she had met months earlier.

Taylor managed to escape and reach safety with help from a friend, who called 911. Elizabeth police officers responded, but Taylor later said they questioned her account, threatened to arrest her for prostitution and delayed removing her remaining handcuff.

At trial, officer Billy Ly testified that he initially questioned the urgency of the kidnapping report because police were contacted about an hour after the attack.

Police Response and a Preventable Tragedy

Taylor later spoke publicly about how she believed police dismissed her report instead of treating it as a serious warning.

Just seven days after her escape, Wheeler-Weaver murdered 20-year-old Sarah Butler. Butler was one of three women he was convicted of killing.

Taylor believed Butler’s death might have been prevented if police had taken her report seriously and investigated Wheeler-Weaver sooner. Her experience became an important part of the case and highlighted the consequences of failing to respond appropriately to reports of violence.

Taylor’s Testimony Helped Secure a Conviction

In December 2019, a jury convicted Wheeler-Weaver of murdering Robin West, Joanne Brown and Sarah Butler. He was also convicted of kidnapping, sexually assaulting and attempting to murder Taylor.

On October 6, 2021, a judge sentenced him to 160 years in prison.

Taylor’s testimony helped prosecutors establish his pattern of violence and hold him accountable.

Family Remembers Taylor

In announcing her death, Acevedo reflected on the hardships her daughter endured.

“Tiffany had already endured so much in her life, including severe trauma that deeply affected her mental health after surviving a horrifying act of violence,” her mother wrote.

“Through everything, she remained my daughter, and I love her more than words can express.”

Taylor’s family is seeking support to cover her funeral and burial expenses.