Sun Mar 8 23:35:59 PST 1998

First of all I don't see why everyone is so hung up on Dale having dirt under his fingernails, I mean he could have scraped his hand on the side of the grave as he was being thrown in. I think that detail is irrelavent. I believe that the murders were commited my two different individuals since two different weapons were used, that seems odd to me. I don't think it was the parents though as some people implyed on the comments page, they seemed to really honestly love their children and I don't think it had anything to do with the life insurance thing, I mean why would they spend so much money on their kids skating expenses and then just kill them for a measly two hundred thousand dollars, I'm sure they spent more then that on them during their careers and were happy to spend it. Shane does make me think though, he seemed very hostile about his brother and sisters talent, I think he needs to be questioned again. Another thing, it doesnt say anything about the bullet in Dale's head being extracted during the autopsy, that should have been done esspecially since weapons were in the house, they need to find out what kind of gun was used to kill them. Well I guess that's all I have on my mind for now, i really want to know who murdered them.

Response: The gun was a shotgun, likely a .12 gauge. Thanks for the comments.

I like city212 question of if the whole family knew that Shane was going to drop off the skaters then why did dad have to get gas that early why weren"t they more ready? My earlier question about Shane lying about being late, I know that he is in dervesion but there has got to be another reason. I still want to know about the gun and I don't necessarlly belive Shane did anything but I do think that all avenues still need searched like Ego Shovel, the parents and the tests on the knife and I still believe that finding the shotgun is imperative! Thanks for listening. [email protected] the previous address was incorrect ([email protected])

Response: We agree, finding the shotgun would help. For the first lab report on the knife see forensics report. We expect lab reports to be coming back soon, check back.

Shane said his mother asked him a few days ago to take his siblings to the bus stop. She knew then that she and her husband weren't going Why? Also, if she's such a cry baby and terribly upset that she couldn't go to the bus stop or
any where else where she has to say goodbye to her 'babies'
how could she fall dead asleep immediately upon their driving off. If they left at 3:15 or so and she was so distraught she couldn't go, how did she drift off to sleep
so quickly. Why wasn't she wringing her hands and waiting for Shane so she could ask whether the bus left on time, etc? Also, why was Dad dressed if he knew 'a few days ago' that he wasn't going to drive the skaters to the bus stop?
Why not eat the big breakfast in his robe? Questionable statement: It sounds as if they ate and then awakened Shane. I do't know whether that has anything to do with anything but....I think Shane is innocent no matter what his
friends, his history and hs music. The enraged stabber could've been Dale because his sister wasn't taking losing
as hard as he. He probably killed his sister right there, in a rage, in front of Shane. They buried her and went home and told parents. Daddy's little girl was avenged by Dad, I
think, when Dale was asked to show where he'd buried the girl. Dad shot him as he'd just about finished unearthing the girl's body. I don't think Shane did anything except take his brother back to the house. Shane, out of his wits with grief and dismay, went to get high with his cult
thinking he'd wake up and it would be a dream. I have 2
scenarios here. The parents in on it before the kids left
or the parents in on it after the violent arguement/killing
at Burger King. I hope to read more about this. Feel the
TWO killers will be found out. One was Dale. Thanks for
listening and giving us armchair detectives a shot at this.
city212

Response: The Taylor's did not state that Mrs. Taylor was distraught, just did not like to say goodbye at the bus station. Other than their statements, we can't tell you why they do it this way. Thanks for the theories, more information coming soon.

Did you notice that the missing person's report had all the information on it that matched everything that was needed to identify the bodies? What parent would be able to go into detail about dental fillings and old toe injuries for a missing person? Also, Sandra and Maggie's story was so detailed. Both were so alike that they sounded rehearsed.
Why would Sandra get her son up to take them to the shuttle at 3:00 in the morning when her husband was already dressed. She still could have stayed home if it bothered her to go.
Why did they leave to take them to meet the shuttle at 3:15 if the bus wasn't due to pick them up until 4:16? Also, both
had dirt encrusted under their nails, not just Dale. Could they both have been kneeling side by side at the grave with his hand on her back when she was stabbed the first time
causing the cut on his hand? I think there had to be two different murderers.

Response: We try to get as much identifying information in a missing persons report as possible, it takes some phone calls and record checking as well as memory. The shuttle only takes pre-ticketed passengers. If it's early and everyone with a ticket is on the bus they will leave early. Magnolia Transit policy is to advise passengers to be at least 15 minutes early. Thanks for the theories, we don't have those answers at this time.

Just a couple of questions, one will Shane be reinterviwed and when? Also on the autopsy report it says that Dale had blood on his socks, he had on jeans and tennis shoes how did it get there? [email protected]

Response: Shane may be reinterviewed. The socks are at the lab, we don't have an answer on that one yet.

I think Dale killed Crystal initially, after they were dropped off. Dale totally flipped out on some sibling matter and killed her accidentally. Afterwards, he took her to a cementary and buried her. When he was nearly completed with the grave and the soil was being thrown in, Christian (or Shane or Dave) killed Dale while Dale was looking at his deceased sister. Christian or Shane could've had a gun because they were both in the Taylor's house sometime before the murders; for example, Christian could've stolen a gun while in the Taylor's house when he was "assisting" Dale in his homework. Also, Christian's interview transcript was somewhat unclear particularly at the end. Shane could've assisted in the murders, but he seems TOO likely of a suspect (but I might be wrong!) Dave could've done it as well because he had no witnesses really after he went to Chevron. But then here's the catch-22 of the case: Shane and/or Dave could've murdered Dale (or Crystal) but what are their motives really? Jealousy? Perhaps. Money? More likely, but the American Express traveler checks have not shown up anywhere yet. Relationship disputes (e.g., boyfriends, girlfriends, incest, etc.)? Odd in this case, but it is still a possibility.
That's my two cents regarding this case.
Keep the Smile Alive,
Det. Spade

Response: We do not have the motives here at this time. The luggage has been recovered. Thanks for the good thoughts.

Hello,
First let me say that everyone who has been questioned so far is lying either outright or by omission. No healthy 19 and 20 year old can have only family and one friend apiece especially if they are so well known and liked or loved as we are led to believe. Granted they practiced a lot but if they had the drive, determination and skill to be champions they also had the energy to have a personal life and it is being hidden from everyone. This suggest that something or someone does not want the truth to come out. By no means has anyone been eliminated as suspects by the evidence given. Instead they are now all suspect to the point of which ones would be the most likely to help each other? Keep questioning the Dad, Mom, Shane, Woolworth, Christian, and Maggie. In my opinion the Mom and Shane are the most likely to crack under pressure they both have the addictive personality that can not take to much inspection without slipping up and triping over what they have previously said. The dad will be harder to break but in some way knows something he is not telling. Also the coach and any and all skate dancers they practiced with or traveled with to and from competitions since someone will eventually slip up or give information about their very, very private lives. I would also search their homes and the apartment in Memphis where they stayed when away from home not only for the luggage but look for any log books, music selections, and diaries. Also get the phone companies records for any long distance calls to the Memphis apartment from Oxford and note the dates and times especially close to the time they came home and check for any calls that might have been placed to their home from out of state or town while they were home geting ready to leave for Colorado this may give some new leads. Question anyone who could have overheard Dale and Crystal argueing over music this may also lead to more information. If this is a ritual killing associated with Ego Shovel then you need to know who all the members are even the hidden ones that may have connections in town feeding them information that is keeping them hidden from the public eye.
[email protected]

Response: We agree there is more here than we know at this time. Crystal's diary has been found with the luggage and supports that. Good thoughts, check back with us.

I found a few things that are inconsistent and I was hoping to have them cleared up...
1. The coroners report states " shot from above and behind." The graph shows the entrance wound at the bottom of the back of the neck and exit above forhead. That would mean he was shot from below and behind. Which one is correct?
2. In Woolworths profile it says, "Woolworth still currently teaches at UM. Woolworth resigned his position in May, 1997." Does he still teach there or did he resign?
Some other questions:
1. In the press coverage of the funeral, their father Jim Taylor said, they were buried wearing ice skates. Are these new ice skates? Does he have a receipt for them if they are? Or are these the missing skates from the missing luggage?
2. In Christians interview, he's asked, "Christian, I know it's going to be hard to answer this, but is there any reason you can think of for Dale and Crystal to disappear?"
"You mean as far as kidnapping? No. "
His first thought was of kidnapping, I think a majority of people, if asked that question that way, would assume it means that they disappeared on there own.
3. In the mothers interview she stated, "Dale talked to one of his friends right before dinner." Is it possible to find out who this person was and what they were discussing? Was it Christian?
4. The Incident report states, "The forensic team recovered a cigarette butt..." Who other than the brother smokes? What brand was the cigarette? Who smokes that brand?
Just some things I noticed:
1.Maggie Jenkins said Dale got upset if someone suggested the music they skate to. Did the brothers get in a fight because Shane wanted his music used?
2. In Shanes Statement he says that Dale and Crystal had an argument and Dale was upset, and yelling saying that she neded to "pay attention to the coaches.." This is not the only place where it is mentioned that Dale was upset with his sister because of her skating.
3. The K9 report states, "Alert Flag 2: blood scent, trace indication --1.75 feet from access road trailing 2 feet
Alert Flag 3: blood scent, strongly indicated -- 4.5 feet to east of gravesite - (Flag 1)." Was the access road checked for any footprints or tire marks? Was the Flag 3 are checked for any evidence?
4. The anonymus caller stated, "A=Some graves are big enough for two to skate in." Doesn't this sound like a statement Woolworth would make? Have any of the people been brought in and asked to repeat that sentence in hopes of finding a match?
5. Autopsy report states, "these are consistent with lead bird shot." What is a lead bird shot?

Thank you.
liz

Response: Lots of questions. 1) shot from above and behind is correct if the victim was bending over 2) Dave Woolworth continues to teach at Ole Miss 3) the skates were not from the missing luggage 4) Dale did talk to Christian right before dinner on 2/1 5) no match with brand and smokers at this time 6) the access road was checked for footprints/tire marks none were found 7) no voice matches to the caller at this time 8) lead bird shot is a type of ammunition used in shotgun shells. Thanks for the comments.

This the first time that i have used this so please bear with me.I was first wondering if a shotgun has been found and if so where? Is there any apparent reason why Shane lied about what time he got home and if so what was it? Why was the father dressed, just to get gas (yea right) it isn't like they were going on a long trip in the car. Shane said there were a few hunting rifles in the house what are they? Although the knife is revellant the shotgun is just as revellant, I think. Why was the brother shot and the sister stabbed? I feel that he was defending her from the attacker/s, hense the cut on his hand, and was shot for it. I look forward to your response. [email protected]

Response: Glad to have your input. The shotgun has not been found. We feel Shane lied at first because of the violation of his diversion program requirements. According to the family this is standard for Jim Taylor. The rifles were taken to the lab, they are a Remington .22 and a Winchester 30-30. We don't know yet what the significance is of the cut on Dale's hand, he may have been defending his sister, we don't know. Thanks for the comments.

1.Shane may be connected in some way-why else would he lie about going straight home, If he is innocent he would have told the police he made a stop before going home. Why not admit he stopped and smoke weed if it means not being a suspect in you siblings disappearance and murder.

2. Cult members may be involed in hoping their deaths may sway Shane to join them. His musical talent is obviously wanted.

3. Their father's business dealings may have a connection.

4 The evidence appears to show that whoever did this planned it and cleary wanted Dale and Crystal out of the picture.

5 The luggage in itself is not as important as its whereabouts. The family home and the location Shane went to before coming home should be searched.

6 All family, Christian,and David need to be re-questioned

7.Shane's band members, Cult member Lars and previous coaches need to be questioned.

8.Did anyone get on the bus at the stop Dale and Crystal should have been at?

Response: 1) Shane was afraid to admit to a violation of his program. We think it was the consideration in his siblings murders that made him come forward. 2) Possible. 3) We have not identified any business related motives or involvement at this time. 4) We don't know yet. 5) The luggage has been found by Tucker Baines. More will be coming on that. 6) & 7) More interviews are planned. 8) Yes, there was one other Oxford passenger, Kristi Dawes who has come forward with new information.

i believe that shane had part in it but also think the second person was the [cult] guy too cause he didn't give the answers to detective. it was the dectective that told him the shane said it love doing this and will keep watching for the killer or killers. dmarc44523

Response: We haven't ruled out anyone other than the bus driver at this point. Thanks for the ideas. Keeping checking in with us.

WELL THIS IS MY THEORY.
I THINK THE FATHER AND THE BROTHER HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THIS . FOR ONE THING WHY WAS THE FATHER DRESSED AND GOING TO GAS UP THE CAR. WHY COULDN'T HE BRING THE CHILDREN HIMSELF SINCE HE WAS UP ANYWAY AND DRESSED TOO. AND THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED THEY KILLED HER FIRST AND HAD THE BROTHER DIG THE GRAVE FOR HER AND THEN SHOT HIM . VERY INTESTING CASE I WOULD LOVE TO FIND OUT IF IT WAS THEM OR NOT
THANKS FOR SHARING THIS WITH ME FRAN LAVERY

Response: Thank you, Fran, for participating. Continue to check in with us for more information.

Ok there are a few things that stand out every time I go over this case.
1. Crystal's socks. Could they have been changed? The luggage is missing right?
2. The people who knew they were going.
3. No one remembers any strange phone calls which indicates that the perpetrators already knew where the kids would be.(I say perpetrators because or more people did this).
4. Two or more people did this and whoever did this wasn't upset when they done it. (Shane didn't do it but he probably knows something).
5. The traveler's checks would help for someone trying to run away
6. Um, Maggie and Christian perhaps?
7. It would seem possible for those two, considering the items that were missing. I can't see anyone else having use for these items or who would fit the skater's profile. Same age, knowing everything about their best friends' lives? Bring their arses back for questioning!!!!!!

Response: 1) We don't think she changed socks. The luggage has been found by Tucker Baines. More information coming. 2) The only people that we know of that knew their specific plans were the parents, brother, grandparents and some close friends. 3) Correct, no strange phone calls. 4) Thanks for the theory. 5) True. 6) Perhaps. 7) Interesting idea, we will be talking with them again.

I think some members of Shane band murdered Dale and Crystal, cause Shane parent's refused to give them money to get the cd published right away.Without Dale and Crystal around they thought they would get the money faster.Shane is innocent but he did tell the member's of his band where he was going and after he drop them off the member's took over with the murder's.So none of the family member's had nothing to do with it in my opinion.

Response: We are looking into that possiblity (the band members). Doesn't look that promising right now, though.

SOMEONE NEEDS TO ASK SHANE WHERE HIS HUNTING KNIFE IS!!!!!!!!!!!! GET IT IN POSSESSION AND DO SOME DNA AND MICROSCOPIC TESTS. LT.

Response: Shane's knife as well as several others were recovered from the Taylor home when we executed a search warrant. They are at the lab for testing. Preliminary results can be found in the first analysis report.

possible that the skater did not even make it as far as the bus station.possible after shame (i feel Murdered the brother and sister.the baggage was left in the car was taken to the occult place given to whoever wanted them or maybe the baggage was burned or buryed on the occult land.if the was hyped up they may not recall. maybe it would be worth looking into.
ladybluethunder.

Response: Thanks for the theory.

Hi, this is the first time I have used an interactive site. I like to read murder mystery's so I decided to follow the skater story. Oh yea! I should mention I have trouble with spelling so I hope you can figure out what I'm saying.

Observations
1. Father is an experienced athlete, So he knows that one lost spot at the nagano's does not mean the end of his dream to have his kids in the olympic's. Dead ones would be hard pressed to win. No motive. May have something to do with cover up?

2. Shane was reported buying drugs with David Woolworth's group.

3. Shane has a motive, his band had a motive, and the cult had a motive which are all linked to funds which were re routed to the skater's. The cult's believe that music can get their message out, the band needing money, Shane needing money and parental approval.

4. There needs to be more then one person involved. Two methods of killing and the phone call.

5. I think the jealous lover is a red herring because the sister was not standing in the way of the relationship. Skating was. If they were lovers or potiental lover, and the killer thought that with out Crystal, Dale would not continue. that could give amotive to remove Cyrstal That seem convoluted a lot of if's.

6. Dale as a suspect in Cyrstal's murder has some meritt because the rage associated with stabbing. Since no one actually seen the victims get in the car or leave the home this could have happened at home. With the family covering up. However I don't believe the family would support Shane if they believed he killed Dale at the grave site. The coroner's report identifies that he died at the grave site.

7. Their is no reason for the Mother to be afraid of the good bye sence since there would be very few people at the bus stop.

8. If Dale killed Crystal and Shane was helping Dale covered it up, even with their parents, and then he took the opportunity to kill Dale at the grave site prior to the supposed breakfast gathering Shane could have convinced his parents to lie by telling that Dale killed Crystal over the loss inskating and that he shot Dale tring to stop hime. The parents may have wanted to protect their community standing and their are hints about the church. One statement the Mother made was that they lost two babies or childern that they didn't want to lose Shane.
covering for Shane would protect him and do this.

Joy

Response: Thanks for the theories. Please continue to check in with us.

[email protected]


I just had a thought,is it possible that
Dale,Crystal and Shane had this planned from the
beginning I remember they had an arguement why?
in my opinion Shane probably wanted to back out
of it but they insisted they go ahead and do it
I figure Dale dug the graves he probably stabbed
Crystal and took her jacket off for her to lay
on.and he did have a cut on his hand, and how
the coronor described Dale cut on his hand could
mean he was seeing how sharp the knife was and
after that Shane shot him left the scene and call
the cops and went and got high. Just a thought!!!!!!

Response: Thanks for your theory.

[email protected]

First of all this murder was planned by Shane
his father and possibly their mother.

1. Why did their father had to go put gas in Shane car
since Shane was the one going to drive Crystal and Dale
to the bus stop? and how did he know that the car needed
gas? and also from their statements I know Shane did"nt
have to drive across country to drop Crystal and Dale off
unless their father new Shane had some other business to
attend and if that's not the case the car should have been
gased before hand.

2. Jim stated that him and Shane loaded up the car with
Crystal and Dale luggage did they really? As we know the
luggage is missing!!!!!

3.Shane stated that WE loaded the car who is WE? it's
like his statement was pre-rehearsed.

conclusion:I need more info to determine their motive
but I bet you it something of this sort !!!!!!!

Response: 1)We believe that the father just wanted to help out. The father usually took care of the cars. 2) As far as we know the luggage was in the car when they left for the bus drop-off point. 3) The family statements are that Jim and Shane Taylor were the ones to load the luggage into the car. More info on the way. Keep checking.

O K lets take another whack at this.
What is the motive for the killings? Not theft because of the money left with the bodies. The missing travelers checks may just be discarded as they were in an inside pocket of a bag. It seems unlikely that it was a stranger because the kids went from a public place to a private place with no known or apparant struggle. They must have been comfortable with whomever and or wherever they were because the brother had removed his jacket and was outside in february, in other words they did not walk to where they were killed. Therefore this would seem to rule out psyco random murder. The female was not raped so sex spree killing seems unlikely. So we seem to be left with killings by someone known to the victims, not for the money on their persons, and not for sex. If we have interviewed all the people that knew the victims, for the purposes of this investigation, we have only 4 possible guilty parties, parents, brother, cult leader, and friend (homosexual lover?) of the brother.

The father has large policies on the kids. What is the fathers financial standing? Has he undergone financial reverses lately? Has the cost of the training for the kids gotten to the point that he cannot continue and feels they are better off dead than being losers because he cannot afford to continue their training? Look closely here. Also, why was the father able to go get the car gassed up but could not drive the kids to the bus station?

The mother seems to be somewhat unstable. Would she parrot whatever the father said. did the father actually go back to bed? bear down on her for strict answers.

Did the kids know the cult leader? The brother was clearly friendly. Did the victims use the drugs? What did they think of the cult? Had they visited the cults farm? Is there any importance to the cult vis-a-vis the time of the killings? The moon and stars seem to be their measurements. do their beliefs and the timing/place of the killings have any relationship?

The brother and the victims were clearly at odds. He was the last person to see them. He lied about his actions after "dropping them off". Why? Did his relationship with the cult leader and their beliefs that vibrations (music) provided a way to cleanse on and make one able to contact the visitors provide some basis for the murders? The cult leader clearly needs to be questioned at length.

The friend of the male victim is difficult to pin down and seems vague about his relationship. Is jealousy about the young mans relationship with the sister a motive? He also seemed to gat a pass during interrogation.

The methods of killing also provide some clues into motivation. The killing of the girl obviously came first. Killing with a knife is very personal and violent. The killer struck over and over again and the victim tried to protect herself. She saw it coming and the killer saw what he/she was doing. Anger or jealousy seems strongly indicated. The brother was killed by or, it seems more likely, in the grave with a different weapon, indicating a different motive and probably a different killer. The hole took some time to dig and that shows premeditation. The girl may have been killed in a frenzy, for whatever reason, but the killing of the boy was thought out. It also seems like an execution, probably in the grave on his knees. Dirt under his fingernails indicates he was digging, maybe with his hands. Remorse for his sisters killing? Or did he dig the grave at gunpoint? The latter seems more likely. Hence his position in the grave and the lack of a coat.Digging is hot and tiring work. The coat was not there and could be on someones back. Check the closet of the brother and the cult leader.
Get some more info detective, the answer is out there.

[email protected]

Response: Thanks for your theories. More information if on the way. The Taylor's finances appear to be in order, they are well off. We have found no indication that Crytal or Dale Taylor had any dealings with drugs or Ego Shovel. We have not found Dale Taylor's jacket. Thanks for the encouragment.

Something about the mothers story isn't right, in both interviews she states that she set the alarm for 1:30, and that her husband got up "shortly" after her, yet he says he got up at 2:30. Anyway to clear this up?

Response: We questioned both the Taylor's at length on the time issue. Mr. Taylor has a time stamped receipt for gas purchased at the Shell station around the corner from their house at 1:58 a.m. which substantiates the earlier time. Watch for Jim Taylor's interview to be posted.

Sorry about the last statement in my theory...I meant Crystal's body was packed tightly by the soil around her decreasing the decomp of the body. Dale's body was packed loosely around (or looser around) than Crystal's, and rigor mortis settled in quickly since it was exposed to the air at least somewhat.

Detective Williams

Response: Okay.

From what I have gathered so far (including the other colleague's comments here), I think Dave and Shane might have been on it together. But there might have been a struggle between Crystal and Dale first. Dale might have killed Crystal first, and Shane or Dave might have killed Dale second. After Dale killed Crystal, he buried her as fast as he can. Then while doing so, Shane or Dave found him, and Dale was looking toward his dead sister at that time. Before Dale could possibly react, he was shot in the back of the head, and he collapsed in a half-dug hole. The soil was then thrown over and patted down. This packing decreasing the detroiration time of Dale's body...

Detective Williams

Response: Thanks for the theories.

HI THERE, A COUPLE ?'S 1. HOW DO THE DETECTIVES KNOW DAVID WOOLWORTH? HE SEEMED TO BE VERY FAMILIAR WITH DET.NELSON DURING HIS INTERVIEW. COULD SHANE & DAVID COMMITED THESE MURDERS TOGETHER. HOW WAS IT FOUND OUT THAT SHANE WAS WITH DAVID ON THE NIGHT OF THE MURDERS? 2. WHY WAS RIGOR MORTIS DETECTED IN DALE AND NOT IN CRYSTAL??????
THANKS I AM GETTING CLOSURE.

Response: David is very flamboyant and we keep tight tabs on him. He and the department know each other quite well. Shane confessed in a later interview on 2/18 that he didn't go home. 2) Rigor wasn't present in either according to the coroner.

1. Motive not robbery. Why leave any money. then where are the belongings. where is the coat belonging to the male victim. search warrents are clearly needed for the home of the victims, the male victims "friend" and for the cult hangout.
2. Female clearly first killed as buried first and not killed on site.
3. male killed either next to or more likely in the grave as he was not moved and probably assisted in the burial, dirt under fingernails, unless he was involved in the murder and felt remorse, jumping into grave to dig up sister.
4. more than one person involved, differing weapons.

[email protected]

Response: We do not have motive at this point in the investigation. The luggage may have been found we'll know more soon. A search warrant was executed at the Taylor home on 2/21. We have numerous items at the lab for testing. We do not have probable cause to request a search warrant for other locations at this time. We agree, Crystal was likely not killed at the cemetery. Thanks for the theories.

It seems clear, through evaluating the autopsy reports, that a certain degree of anger was projected at the female victom. I would submit that the male victom was the first of the two to be killed. I would bet that the killer of the female victom was a very strong left handed indivual. This is clear through the location and the depth of the punture wounds located through out her abdominal region. I believe that the female victom was at first stabbed in the back then rolling over to protect herself was stabbed in the chest, shoulded and arms. This would indicate that both victoms were at one point on their knees facing away from the killer(s). The killer(s) must have had to know the exact time and location of the victoms on that particular morning. The placement of the bodies indicates that the original plan of the killer(s) was that the bodies were never to be found. I feel that this particular pair of homicides was planned and thought through to the end. I would reinterview all family members involved and obtian a list of all individuals that would know the time and loction of the victoms during the moring in question (who knew they were leaving via bus and the time which were going to be at the bus terminal). If both victoms in fact were on their knees facing away from the killer(s) before being killed, this would indicate an almost execution like style of killing. It is obvious that there is more than one suspect involved. The question of who made the call to dectectives decribing the location of the bodies would indicate that someone is feeling the affects of a guilty if not remorseful state of mind. I belive that there was more than one individual involved in the actual killings themselves. One of these individuals is lefthanded and strong. Possibly more are involved in their knowledge of the crime. Someone knew where the victoms were going to be on that morning. Someone with perhaps a guilty conscionce called to disclose the location of the victoms. Money is not always the cause of homicide between family members, especially siblings. Perhaps Shane was tired of comming second, not just financialy but affectionatly as well. His involvement with a cult (that has been recently implicated in the murder of Purity Knight) would raise some serious questions about Shanes relationship with siblings. I don not feel that he "pulled the trigger" himself, but he may be the key to the truth. Yet, I am still confused as to why one victom was shot and the other stabbed.

Response: Thanks very much for the theories. Two weapons may indicate two persons involved, we don't know that at this time.

Detective Nelson,

I am a Forensic Psychology student at the University of Memphis, and there are a few facts that seem a bit odd to me. The cult, "Ego Shovel" has some very interesting things on their web page. In one article written by a member named "Lars" he states:
he who has felt the
long knife cleave the
tomato of his bosom and
there release the alien
crafts

This seems odd to me in the matter that Crystal was murdered. There could be a motive for these cult members to kill BOTH Dale and Crystal. They speak of sending "frequencies" through music. This makes me wonder if they were seeking Shane Taylor to assist in that. In one of your interviews we even hear Woolworth state that "Shane is very talented." I'm not saying that Shane has anything to do with the murders. However, I think it would be advisable to further question Shane, Woolworth, Lars, and question Shane's band members about their whereabouts and involvement in Ego Shovel activities. I've also read that unless Rohypnol is specifically tested for, it can be missed in an autopsy. Maybe the bodies should be tested for the drug, especially Crystal, as hers was dragged after death. It seems that the way Dale was murdered, he knew his attacker. He was shot from behind which seems that he didn't think he was in danger from the person. Has his friend Christian been questioned about any possible Ego Shovel involvements??

Maybe if the Ego Shovel cult members somehow found out about the 25,000 dollars that Shane's parents were to give him, but instead gave Dale and Crystal, they might've gotten involved without Shane knowing and killed them. This might've been their way to get the frequencies onto Shane's new album by getting the star children out of the way so Shane would get his funding. We do know that Shane has partied with some of the members and surely has mentioned the money and why he didn't get it.. Maybe Shane should be questioned again about this. I also find is particularly interesting that Ego Shovel is so envolved in DNA and what Lars is basically saying is that by human sacrifice they can "release the alien crafts."

Please let me know of any further developments and if any of this will assist you. I am also going to request a membership in Ego Shovel covertly and see what I can find out.

Thanks

[email protected]

Response: Be very careful when you approach Ego Shovel. They are very quick and will detect you if you have ulterior motives. We assume some of this is paranoia from drug use but they are also just a crazy bunch. We expect a Heaven's Gate scenario any day now from David and his crew. Keep checking in with us to get more info on the case as we get it. Good points raised to pursue, thanks.

Questions from the autopsy reports:

Crystal's injuries all have an opinion (i.e. this is a fatal wound or this is a defense wound). Why does Dale's incised wound (cut hand) not have an opinion? I would guess an opinion of whether this was a defense wound or not would give us a better idea of Dale's role in all of this. (I realize that this may not be possible).

Is it significant that Dale's shoes and socks are bloodstained and Crystal's shoes are bloodstained but her socks are not? Also Crystal's sports bra does not have any cuts or tears. How is this possible if she was stabbed in the chest? I think that these facts (along with the torn jacket being placed with the body) are indicative of something, although I haven't decided what. Any ideas?

Response: According to the coroner, the wound on Dale's hand is consistent with the wounds on Crystal's hands. It is somewhat curious there is only one wound. No opinions or conclusions drawn at this time. The coroner states that the stab wounds were lower than the area of the bra. The clothing is at the lab for testing, we'll let you know results.

I just went over the interview of Shane's mother and she said that they owned guns inside their house. Where there any missing guns while shane was away or did she ever check her drawers or something?

Response: No missing guns that we know of. Both rifles were taken into custody for examination during a search of the home on 2/21.

Hi- I was quickly going over this case tonight and there were a couple of items that caught my attention. First thing was that I thought I read that they had changed coaches. Why? No one has mentioned this yet (I don't think), but has anyone spoken with the coach they left? Could he/she have been so distraught over the fact that he/she lost his/her prize students (they were Olympic hopefuls) enough to murder them? That would potentially ruin the carrier of the former coach angering him/her so much that they killed.

Why did they leave this coach? Who was their new coach? I'm sure their old coach would know about this training camp, time of departure, who would be dropping them off, knowing that Shane would not be sticking around. They may have even gone off with him/her voluntarily as they knew the person well.

This former coach could have surprised Crystal, Dale could have attempted to stop them by grabbing the knife, thus cutting his hand. Coach could have then held Dale captive while he/she brought them to the cemetary where he forced Dale to help with the burial of his sister. Then he/she could have shot Dale in the back of the head and finished the burial him/herself.

How shallow was the grave? Would it have taken a long time to dig? If so, maybe Dale didn't have to hep dig it, just help throw the dirt on top of sis explaining the dirt under his nails.

Just a few thoughts...Find their prior coach.

Krse95

Response: Jim Taylor, Crystal and Dale's father was their coach until they were in their early teens. The current coaches have been with them since that time. The grave wasn't shallow, Crystal was buried at about 5 feet, and Dale at about 3. It would not have been hard to dig, however, as it was a recent grave (January 31) and had been dug with a backhoe. Thanks for the ideas.

At last! A crimescene case I can get excited about again! (Not that death excites me, but you know what I mean...)

I'm not going to pass jugdment on the Taylor case just yet, but I've noticed some interesting things to pay close attention to:

1)The Autopsy Report: Dale had a cut on his right hand, and Crystal had defensive wounds on her arms. Could he have been the one to attack her with the knife? Also: Dale had dirt underneath his fingernails. Was he digging a grave? He was killed at the site of the burial, while Crystal was moved, and her jacket was taken off. All of these things are important.

2)Christian Chambers: For so many years, he's been supporting Dale in the background, writing his papers in school, lending him money recently (what for? Dale's parents seem pretty generous) and yet he has gotten nothing in return. There is definetely more to this friendship than meets the eye, even if it is not a love affair as some people hypothesize.

3)Ego Shovel: Can we please have info on the mass suicide posted soon? All I have seen about that is what is mentioned in the recent tabloid article updating all the cases. So how about it? And am I the only one completely amazed that Dave Woolworth is now the leader of Ego Shovel? I thought he had some precious artifact of theirs, and was hiding it from them. And didn't he act like he really didn't trust them in the Purity Knight interview? Not only that, when did he become a hippie? I thought he was a college professor!

Response: Glad you are excited. Can't explain about the cut, the coroner states it is consistent with the type of wounds found on Crystal. We don't know if Dale was digging. Interesting questions regarding Christian. There is not much additional information on the suicides. What did you want to know? David Woolworth is a professor, but he also leads this cult. It is strange. He's always been a hippie.

Maybe Shane didn't drove Crystal and Dale all the way; he was so mad, he dropped them off somewhere else, but not too far from Bus terminal. So they decided to look for taxi or somebody to give them a lift. Maybe that was wrong person...

Response: Thanks for the theory.

Chritian and Dale devised a plan to "get away" (relating to Christian's comment in interview), and knew that meant getting rid of Crystal. Dale struggled with the idea of following through with it or not, until the Olympic letdown. He was then vulnerable and upset and let Christian set up the plan to kill her. Christian picked them up from the mall where Shane did drop them off. He and Dale took her to a secluded area and Dale started to have second thoughts. Christian was not going to let Crystal get away with destroying his and Dale's plan to be together, so he killed her (with the rage of an angered lover). With Dale trying to stop him - Christian threatened to kill him as well. He made Dale help dig the grave and then realized that he and Dale could never be together because Dale would always blame him for the murder, possibly even turn him in. Therefore, as Dale was covering up Crystal, Christian came up behind him and shot him in the back of the head. When Dale fell forward, Christian covered him up with the remaining dirt and left. Remorseful for killing his lover, he then called the police.
**PLEASE ADDRESS:
- Christian's background info.
- Christian's familiarity with weapons and sport (hunting?)
- Father's opinion of Dale's friendship with Christian

Response: Thanks for the theory. Christian Chamber's bio has more background information.

With all this new evidence coming to light, I think the time is right to bring Shane back in for some intense direct questioning, and perhaps give him the opportunity to take a voluntary drug test to prove or disprove the contention that he had been down at Cooters Farm smoking blunts with the Shovels.

Should he refuse, could that be taken as probable cause to arrest him on violation of his aversion program agreement? This would keep him in custody and under observation while the case is being built to press charges in the murder case. However, if Shane passes the drug test, it would tend to cast serious doubt on the information and motives of Mr. Woolworth, who seems like a shaky source any way.


I would suspect that probable cause for a drug test would not really be necessary, as I have never heard of a judge entering a drug offender in a program which would not allow random testing to ensure compliance. So before too much time has passed, consider bringing Shane in for the old 3rd degree.

I would also check with some of Christian Chambers other friends to perhaps get more information about their perceptions of his relationship with Dale. This may help to illuminate or eliminate the homosexual relationship theories advanced by others in this forum.

On a _TOTALLY_ unrelated front, it would be nice to get an update on the Woodley investigation...

Response: Shane was extensively questioned on 2/18 when he admitted he did not go straight home as he originally told us. The diversion program requires periodic, random drug testing and those results tend to prove his statement as well as Dave Woolworth's statement. More information on this can be found in the Progress Report. What exactly are you looking for on the Woodley case? Chase is now in Memphis working, can't think of anything else right now. Thanks for the theories on the case.

Something else that makes me suspicious of Christan is the statement he made "She's always been really sweet to me, and I know Dale thought the world of her." Thought the world of her, as in past tense. Maybe he knew they were dead because he killed them? When he was interviewed the bodies hadn't been found yet.

He talked in present tense during the entire interview except this one statement. It just seemed to jump out at me when I read it.

Response: Christian is being examined more, interesting idea.

Did I read the autopsy reports correctly. Crystal was killed elsewhere and moved to the cemetary & Dale was killed at the cemetary?

I'd question Dale's friend Christian again. Any chance there was more between the guys than you've been lead to believe?

Response: That's what we believe. Christian is being examined again.We think they were just friends.

Have you herd anything about Crystal's finger nails yet?
I think Dale was either lying face down binding over by the way the bullet enter and exited his head.(MAYBE LIKE HE WAS USING A SHOVAL) .And Crystal looked to be trying to defind her self by what I've gathard so far.

And why would one person use two different wepons to kill two people that is together. Don't make sense to me.
Hope you get more one the case I'm puzzled.
(If Shane Taylor lied once it's possible he'll lie again.)

Response: The fingernails/scrapings and numerous other items have been sent for testing. No results yet. The coroner agrees with you, Dale likely bending over and there are defense wounds reported for Crystal. We hope to find out much more, too.

Was there marks on the grass indicating that the bodies may have been dragged?
If Shane pulled off the road was there any tire marks that matched his car or not? Was there any tire tracks at the cemetary?
Does the mother know how much cash they left home with because $115.00 is not enough money to travel with?
Where is the luggage?
How much money did Shane need to finish producing his CD?
If Shane done it then why did he use two weapons? It don't make sense. Some one else had to have been involved.
Does the voice sound like it is being disquised or did they talk normal?
Do you know what kind of gun was used? Does it match the guns that belong to the Taylors?

Do you have any Suspects so far and if you do who are they?
I know where the bullet entered and exited. Did you find where the bullet went after exiting Dale's head?

My Theory is:

I think Shane Taylor did it with the help of Dave Woolworth because Shane was jealous of Crystal and Dale's fame and the attention that Crystal and Dale was getting from his parents and he wasn't getting that attention. His friend Dave Woolworth helped and the reason I think that is because of what I have gathered about the club he is in. I think that Dale was forced to dig the hole for Crystal's body and they made him cover her up. Then someone shot him in the head. Then they put Dale in the grave and covered it up. Because if Dale and Crystal both was dead at the same time. Then why would someone cover her up and stick Dale in there and cover him up. Why not just put them in the same hole and not spaced out. That is if they were both dead at the same time. (Unless Shane didn't think they needed to be placed together.) That is why I think Dale had to have covered Crystal up and then he was shot and buried.

No ordinary murderer would put someone in a occupied grave without being in some kind of cult or was heavily on drugs.


Response: There were no marks of dragging, however, the K-9 Unit dog did find traces on the ground that indicate blood in two places. There were no tire tracks. There was reportedly $1,000 in traveler's checks in the luggage which has not been found. Shane was to get $25,000 from his parents. He has received half of that. The gun used was a shotgun, likely a .12 gauge, as far as we know the Taylor's own two rifles that do not match. The voice has not yet been identified, everyone remains a suspect at this time. Ego Shovel members are always on drugs but don't know if they have a valid connection here. Still examining them for motive, alibis, etc. Thanks for your theories.

I musthave missed something. I don't recall reading anything stating that the kids were alive at the cemetary as most comments infer. Is that a proven fact or merely speculation? I feel that Crystal and Dale were killed elsewhere and brought to the grave sight after the killings. It seems to me that it would have to take more than the couple of hours to dig that grave and kill two people and bury them and be back home and in bed by four o'clock or even six o'clock! So, here is my theory. There was indeed an arguement, but not at Burgerking or bus depot,but at home and a very serious one that got out of control and Dale lost it and grabbed a knife and was stabbing Crystal when one of the other members grabbed the gun and shot Dale to stop him from stabbing Crystal. Then because of their "perfect" family image a story had to be concocted to cover up such a degrading issue. Thus tge big breakfast, daddy all dressed because he doesn.t like to run around in his underware, mommy hysterical because her kids were leaving, and Shane sleepy groggy and grumpy. They got their story straight and decided that it would be Shane who would take the bodies to the grave that they would dig during hours that would seem natural to be dug by passersby and then at night they would take the bodies to the grave sight and bury them under the cover of darkness.Now we have to find out where the bodies were kept and where the killings took place (rooms) . This can be proven or disproven by dusting the house, garage, attic, basement and if necessary grounds for blood that was cleaned up. They had plenty of time to do all this since they didn,t report them missing for several days. Well, thats my theory. what do you think? Tessie

Respnose: The coroner believes that Dale was shot where he was buried, further testing may prove that. That would mean he was alive at the cemetery. It is thought that Crystal was murdered elsewhere. I think it's an interesting theory, thanks.

A different twist on things ... When Christian spoke of Dale he sounded like a dejected lover, who was making concessions in a relationship. I think he was jealous of the relationship between Dale & Crystal, and felt if he eliminated Crystal, he could have Dale to himself. But it didn't go as he had hoped, with Crystal being the better skater, that would be the end of Dale's skating career. Dale was disgusted by Chistian's declaration of love, and was mad that now his skating career was over. Christian feeling unappreciated for what he had done for him, held a gun on Dale while he buried his sister. He realized the mistake he made and no choice but to kill Dale, to keep from being caught, and to keep his sexual preferences secret.
Bernice

Response: Very interesting theory.

Everthing looks like the brother is guilty,but I think that is just to easy.
You should check with Dales friend Christen. Maybe there is something he/she knows.
I believe Dale had to take part in burying his sister.Not by choice someone had a gun to his head. then he was shot and burried right after.
Maybe the father sense the daughter had no picture of him.
Or someone for the money (bus driver?) why did they only have that little bit of money between the two? Seems they should have had more.I believe the bus driver would have definitly noticed them. keep asking the mother if she knows anything she'll be the one to break.
thank you it was intereting still need more info.

Response: Christian Chambers was interviewed on 2/6. The parents report that there was $1,000 in traveler's checks in the luggage. It is curious that Crystal had no photo of her father. Thanks for the theories.

Need to put dates and actions on one line calender. plane reservations, training spots, bus rides / class reservations began / finalized/ bus ride notice because driver had notice of riders/ payments full or partial for costs / who - where month before the bus ride date / contracts for music , ect..
My Gut feeling is that the skater brother killed the skater sister and buried her in the cementary. The father made the skater brother tell him and lead him to the burial plot. The father killed the skater brother. The music brother would go along with anything to get money for his music. The mother, father, brother, are all covering up what happened. Skater's wear different clothes to skate in, but no mention of looking at the home contents for present or missing or accounted for not present baggage packed clothes. Training talent is booked maybe far in advance, when was the terms of the training or school opened and settled or agreed on ? ailines tickets in how much advance of flights? What were the dates/times of death's of each? , ? fetal position of the sister skater .. prone position of the brother skater..
and that is just a gut feeling..
ps.. this is not a real life happening is it ?

Response: The Taylor home was searched with a warrant on 2/21, the luggage has not been found. The reservations for the airlines, bus tickets and skating training program were made the week of January 19. For details on the date/times of death see the autopsy reports. Thanks for the theories. Check the 'reality check' on the main page.

A question for the bus driver. Were Dale & Crystal the only passengers that were on the manifest from Oxford? If not, other passengers would have been waiting for the bus and would have seen Dale & Crystal if they ever made it to the bus pick-up point.

Was the Burger King very far from the bus pick-up point? Was it close enough for the two skaters to walk, if say, the brother refused to drive them any further after the argument? Just another theory. How far is the cemetary from the house, Burger King, and the mall where the bus would be? And would you pass the cemetary on the way?

Response: There was one other passenger that boarded at Oxford who did not see the Taylors. Burger King is right down the raod from the drop off. The cemetary is about four streets due north of the mall, Burger King, and the drop-off. You might pass it on the eastern side driving from the Taylor house, yes, to the drop-off point.

Shane Taylor said that he went back to bed at about 3:45 a.m
while his mother told you that he went back to bed at about 4:00 a.m

Response: Mrs. Taylor stated that he came back by 4:00 a.m. but did not hear him come in. In fact, Shane did not go straight home. Dave Woolworth confirms that Shane arrived at the Dickerson ranch about 4:00 a.m. and left about 5:00 a.m.