MCS Report #237
Classification: Homicide
Requesting Agency: Jennings Police Department
Date of Activation: 02/18/1994
Commander and Department: Det. Sgt. Jerry Burke, Florissant PD
Deputy Report Officer and Department: Det. Dusty O.E. Royer, Chesterfield PD
Victim: Mary L. Taylor
Suspect: Michael Shane Roberts and Willie A. Portwood
The Jennings Police Department requested the assistance of the Major Case Squad in investigating the death of Mary Taylor. At approximately 6:17pm, police officers responded to a residence in the 5400 block of Hamilton Avenue for a report of a sudden death. There they located Mary Taylor (age 56) lying on the floor of the residence covered in blood. She was pronounced dead on scene. It was later learned she had been beaten and stabbed.
As a result of this investigation, the following criminal charges were issued in connection with Mary’s death:
Michael Roberts (age 19) - Murder 1st Degree, Robbery 1st Degree, Burglary 2nd Degree, Stealing Felony, Stealing a Motor Vehicle, Armed Criminal Action - No bond warrant
Willie Portwood (age 36) Robbery 1st Degree - Bond $50,000
