A California husband is speaking out after experiencing a nightmare no one should ever endure—walking into his home and finding his wife of 35 years brutally stabbed, while also coming face-to-face with the man accused of killing her.
The Murder of Wanda Taylor
Police in National City, California, confirmed that 71-year-old Wanda Taylor was stabbed to death inside her home on Wednesday afternoon. The suspect, 30-year-old Noel Trevino, was later arrested and charged with murder, burglary, and resisting an officer.
Wanda’s husband, Ernest Taylor, returned home from a painting job around 2 p.m. and made the horrifying discovery. According to investigators, Trevino had allegedly attacked Wanda earlier in the day after entering the couple’s property under suspicious circumstances.
Husband Walks in on the Suspect
Speaking to NBC San Diego (KNSD), Ernest recounted the chilling moment he saw Trevino inside his home.
“He was right there,” Ernest said. “He was prancing up, mumbling crazy words. That’s why I just left. And I saw my wife lying down underneath a blanket.”
He immediately called 911. By then, Trevino had jumped out of a second-story window and fled the scene on foot. Police responded within minutes, using K-9 units and bean bag rounds to subdue him before arresting him.
Wanda was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Attack Captured on Security Cameras
Authorities said Trevino’s movements were recorded on the couple’s home security cameras. He was allegedly spotted as early as 10:30 a.m., loitering in the driveway with what appeared to be a clipboard—leading Ernest to believe Trevino may have been posing as a solicitor.
Wanda had left around that time to take her dog to a vet appointment. The video allegedly captured Trevino’s attack, which began in the driveway before continuing inside.
Court Proceedings and Community Support
Trevino was scheduled to be arraigned Friday but missed court due to medical reasons. His arraignment was rescheduled for August 25. He remains in custody without bond.
On the same day, Ernest attended San Diego Superior Court, surrounded by close friends. He admitted he was hesitant to come but found comfort in the support.
“I was hesitant of coming today, because of who I thought I might see,” he told ABC 10News (KGTV). “But when I saw my friends, I was like, ‘Okay, I’m glad I’m here,’ because I would have been like a lone soldier on an island without any support.”
Remembering Wanda Taylor
Wanda Taylor’s death has devastated her family, friends, and community. Ernest described his wife as the cornerstone of their home—a woman who shared her life with him for nearly four decades until her life was cut short by random violence.
As the case moves forward, Ernest and Wanda’s loved ones continue to mourn while pushing for justice.
