Charlotte triple murder suspect due in court, death penalty to be weighed
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A Charlotte man accused of killing his girlfriend and her two children is scheduled to be inside a Mecklenburg County courtroom on Thursday.
Benjamin Taylor, 34, is facing three counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors said he killed Markayla Johnson and her two children, 4-year-old Miracle, and 7-month-old Messiah.
Following the murders, authorities said Taylor fled to California where he was eventually found in the southern part of the state camping out near the Mexican border. He was eventually transported back to North Carolina.
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The bodies were found at an apartment complex in northeast Charlotte on March 15 after the three were reported missing on March 3. Thursday, May 23, will feature a hearing process on whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Taylor.
According to the NC Department of Adult Correction, Taylor has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2007. Charges include breaking and entering, assault, as well as weapon and drug-related charges. He is currently being held without bond.
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