Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
An Indiana man has been accused of stabbing his wife up to 40 times on Valentine's Day while their children were home, after he didn't receive the reaction he had hoped for after creating a Paris-themed date.
Taylor Meyer has been charged with the killing of his wife Deborah on Friday last week (February 14), following heated discussion where he demanded to see her phone, the affidavit states, so that he could read through her text messages - on the assumption that he was being cheated on.
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The 34-year-old from Jeffersonville, a city bordering the Kentucky city of Louisville, had bought his wife a new dress, as well as a takeaway, as he orchestrated a Parisian-themed Valentine's Day date night for the two of them - with the help of their three children.
The affidavit reads: "He described a ‘Bringing Paris to you’ themed event and even had his kids draw pictures of the Eiffel Tower as decorations in preparation for the Valentine’s dinner."
On the same night the pair had danced to their wedding song while Meyer also gave his wife a Valentine's card with a personal message in it to her.
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But her reaction to his love-themed date left him fuming, as he suggested that she shrugged all his hard work off - acting as if she didn't care about any of it.
After dinner Deborah popped out the house for around 20 minutes, Meyer told police, and at which point he began obsessing over suspicions that she was having an affair with a co-worker - who he believed is the reason Deborah left the house.
He became dubious over their relationship in January, and believed she had saved her colleague's name as 'My Best Friend Emily' in her phone.
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The affidavit stated that 'he had some strong animosity towards her for leaving', and upon her return from her trip out on Valentine's Day, he started reading through her messages on her smart watch before demanding her phone. When she refused to hand it over, it became physical.
Speaking to police Meyer explained how he choked Deborah before wrestling her to the ground and reading through her text messages.
He then told officers that he rang 'her boyfriend' to tell him that their fight was his fault. At which point the person on the other end of the phone dialled 911 and reported the incident to the police.
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As the fight escalated, Meyer reportedly grabbed a wine bottle and hit Deborah repetitively over the head with it.
As she lay unconscious, he allegedly told police he stabbed her with a 'big ass kitchen knife' 40 times in the chest.
Their children, all aged under five, were found safe inside when officers reached the property.
Meyer's trial is set to take place on July 15.
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If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline on 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7. You can find a list of local resources here.
Topics: US News, Sex and Relationships
Joe Yates