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

Tiffany Taylor, the New Jersey woman who escaped serial killer Khalil Wheeler‑Weaver while handcuffed, has died at age 44.

Her mother said in a GoFundMe Taylor died in her sleep, ending years of trauma linked to her 2016 attack.

Tiffany Taylor Escaped While Handcuffed

Taylor met Wheeler‑Weaver through a friend in 2016. NJ Advance Media reported she robbed him earlier that year.

Despite that encounter, she agreed to meet him again at a hotel in Elizabeth.

She said she blacked out and woke to find him sexually assaulting and strangling her while she was handcuffed.

Thinking quickly, she convinced him to drive her to a motel by claiming her phone held evidence.

Once there, she escaped and ran for help.

Police Dismissed Her Account

Taylor went to police, but officers reportedly doubted her story

BlurredByLines reported police threatened to arrest her for prostitution and refused to remove the handcuffs still hanging from her wrist.

She was pregnant at the time and nearly lost her unborn child.

Her Testimony Helped Stop a Serial Killer Khalil Wheeler-Weaver

Taylor later testified against Wheeler‑Weaver, becoming his only known survivor.

Her account helped investigators link the murders of Robin West, Joanne Brown, and Sarah Butler.

Her testimony played a key role in Wheeler‑Weaver’s 2019 conviction and 160‑year sentence.

Taylor said had police would have listened, it probably would have saved Butler’s life, who was Wheeler-Weaver’s last victim before being caught.

Family Seeks Support After Her Death

Taylor grew up in Jersey City’s housing projects and faced violence throughout her life.

Her mother launched a GoFundMe campaign, saying Taylor “endured so much” and deserved a dignified burial.

She remembered her daughter as resilient, resourceful and determined to survive despite lasting trauma.

“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. Through everything, she remained my daughter, and I love her more than words can express. I will miss her every single day, and saying goodbye to her is one of the hardest things I have ever faced.”