Taylor Behl

While there was no specific date or charge given, reports tonight suggest authorities will take evidence before a Grand Jury in the Taylor Behl case to seek an indictment.

Behl's mother, Janet Pelasara, told News4 that prosecutors plan to take evidence in front of the grand jury and seek an indictment. The prosecutors believe charges will be forthcoming.

Comments

[Randy]

It looks like Ben Fawley is going to escape the death penalty. If the Medical Examiner’s Office can’t determine a cause of death, it will be hard for the prosecutor in Mathews County to get a death penalty verdict. It is unfortunate that Fawley leaving Taylor in the woods like he did, which is one of the aspects of this case that bothers me the most, may ultimately end up working to his favor. I believe that Fawley killed Taylor Behl in cold blood and I am unsure if honest justice will prevail in this case.

check this article out: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9917755/

[Katie]

Randy, right I agree. I mean just leaving her body there like that has guilty written all over it to me. And, I don't know of you personally know, but does anyone know why she was wrapped in plastic?

[Muirnin]

I think her family should request a private autopsy from someone like Cyril Wecht, a pathologist & attorney. JMO.

[abigail]

I know that wasn't directed at me BUT, I'm 19 and not being out of HS for too long I can say that sadly enough it could most definately be true. Girls now even talk as bad as guys. So, my bet would be it could most definately be true.

Posted by: Katie | Nov 3, 2005 11:08:05 PM

So, Katie, what do you suggest parents talk to thier kids about? What would make a difference without getting on our kids nerves and chasing them away? About any of this stuff, sex, drugs, people in general....

[abigail]

Randy, right I agree. I mean just leaving her body there like that has guilty written all over it to me. And, I don't know of you personally know, but does anyone know why she was wrapped in plastic?

Posted by: Katie | Nov 3, 2005 11:09:47 PM

You know Katie, we all knew she was wrapped in plastic, but just then when I read what you wrote now makes me think it was pre-meditated. It was her car that was driven, what did she have in the trunk? Would she have a roll of plastic in there? What kind of plastic was it? Was it clear, black? Why would BF have plastic for, just laying around--what did he do in his life that he would have it around? Or did he buy it soon before he killed Taylor? Did he have some from cleaning dead peoples apartments?
I'm just questioning "out loud". Sorry!

[Katie]

Lol Abigail, i think outloud too! It helps me..if that makes sense?

As far as the what to talk to your kids about. The kids I know that do this typically have no home life what-so-ever. Like since parents are so focused on working and their careers their kids are usually home by themselves when they reach an appropriate age. So, really pay attention your kids, talk to them, do anything you can. They will say oh this is stupid this is lame, but we really do listen, I promise. Of ocurse, there are your exceptions and sometimes that can't be helped. It really is a scary world. But like most responsible parents, have a good idea of who your kids friends are, etc.
Sorry this is really long and seems pointless, but I know so many younger people who are so lost, and it seems like their parents don't give a damn.

As far as the pre-meditated, yes I agree 100%! Especially considering the location and everything.
I really want some new-news on this case!

[a]

That is a realllly good thought abigail.. where did the plastic wrap come from if it was an 'accident' i hope the detectivies and prosecuters think like this!!

[bob]

I know Dr. Wecht, he was not asked to evaluate the case. If I were the DA in Virginia, I would have asked Wecht AND Michael Baden to do the autopsy on Oct. 6.

[abigail]

Thanks K. My daughter is young, but I think communication is key. I am already so far up her butt, as far as asking her about school and friends in school and where she heard what from. She does not mind so much now, but I will be driving her nuts down the road! :) DON'T CARE! She is MY baby and I will stick my nose in every aspect of her life--until she is about 25 and I'm convinced she is a happy, well adjusted adult. Then I will back off a little! :) Geez, she's going to "hate" me! :)

[bob]

Katie I do beleive you are 100% right!

"As far as the what to talk to your kids about. The kids I know that do this typically have no home life what-so-ever. Like since parents are so focused on working and their careers their kids are usually home by themselves when they reach an appropriate age. So, really pay attention your kids, talk to them, do anything you can. They will say oh this is stupid this is lame, but we really do listen, I promise. Of ocurse, there are your exceptions and sometimes that can't be helped. It really is a scary world. But like most responsible parents, have a good idea of who your kids friends are, etc.
Sorry this is really long and seems pointless, but I know so many younger people who are so lost, and it seems like their parents don't give a damn."

[Katie]

Bob: Thanks!

Abigail:Lol, that's good though! There needs to be more parents like you!

[abigail]

That is a realllly good thought abigail.. where did the plastic wrap come from if it was an 'accident' i hope the detectivies and prosecuters think like this!!

Posted by: a | Nov 3, 2005 11:39:10 PM

Geez, I hope they are thinking way beyond that! :) It only took me this long thanks to kate to bring all those questions up! :) "I'm not a detective, I only play one on blog and I'm a bit slow!" :)

[bob]

Hey did anyone click on the link Dan posted?
"Behl's mother, Janet Pelasara, told News4 that prosecutors plan to take evidence in front of the grand jury and seek an indictment. The prosecutors believe charges will be forthcoming."

I think the "forthcoming" is the link to the article.

First I have to say, I LOVE THIS WOMAN. Now I'll tell you why. She read the Washington Times article this morning and she has the fire, you know, and she thinks to herself, 'This bullshit can't stand." So she goes to the DA and gets permission to say what she did. That charges are coming.
I told you the Washington Times was wacky.
But this woman loves her daughter so much, believes in her so much, that she is going to jump into this lion's nest I call the American Media to protect her daughter's memory. Bless this woman. I've posted before I'm not a religious man, but I ask God for things from time to time. Why don't we all ask God to give a little slack to Janet Pelasara tonite...It'll only take a minute. A few voices might make a difference you know....

[abigail]

Abigail:Lol, that's good though! There needs to be more parents like you!

Posted by: Katie | Nov 3, 2005 11:48:49 PM

We don't know what the hell we are doing! But she is smart, sweet, kind and giving. That's what most people say about her anyway! She definately has her "moments" as most of us do, but we are truly blessed. I just know that in 10 years she will be screaming that we have ruined her life and blahh, blah, blahhh. My husband jokes that when mother and daughter are fighting he will be at the bar and when she wants to go "out" she can pick him up so he does not have to drive home!:) Whatever! Dork! :)

[abigail]

First I have to say, I LOVE THIS WOMAN. Now I'll tell you why. She read the Washington Times article this morning and she has the fire, you know, and she thinks to herself, 'This bullshit can't stand." So she goes to the DA and gets permission to say what she did. That charges are coming.
I told you the Washington Times was wacky.
But this woman loves her daughter so much, believes in her so much, that she is going to jump into this lion's nest I call the American Media to protect her daughter's memory. Bless this woman. I've posted before I'm not a religious man, but I ask God for things from time to time. Why don't we all ask God to give a little slack to Janet Pelasara tonite...It'll only take a minute. A few voices might make a difference you know....

Posted by: bob | Nov 3, 2005 11:59:51 PM

Don't EVER test a mothers love for her child. Some mothers yes, we wonder why they harm them, but most mothers would DIE for thier children. I'm certain Janet has wished it was her and not her baby. As mothers we want to take all the pain and hurt away. When my "baby" cries for "real" :) I want to cry. I cried when she got on that damn bus 2 months ago for the first time and turned that corner and down the isle she went with that big ole' backpack and her lunch. Her face was so small in that window. It's about letting go: from kindergarten, to middle school, high school, college and then I guess we learn to breathe again. Janet did not get that chance to "breathe" again, because her daughter trusted someone who was old enough to be her father.

[absynth_minded]

I pray LE knows more than they have shared, cause as of now, it doesn't look like they have enough to prove it went down any different than bf claims...

[Muirnin]

I know Dr. Wecht, he was not asked to evaluate the case. If I were the DA in Virginia, I would have asked Wecht AND Michael Baden to do the autopsy on Oct. 6.

Posted by: bob | Nov 3, 2005 11:42:40 PM

Hi Bob,

Given the circumstances, the stress & loss, perhaps Taylor's family has not thought of it.

Given the fact that Cyril Wecht is an attorney, in addition to being a forensic pathologist, he can not solicite clients. Interested as he may be, and I'm sure he IS interested in this case, a family member must contact him to initiate things.

I'm not too familiar with Michael Baden, but I'm sure he can shed another opinion on this case as well.

I hope Taylor's family have thought of an independant autopsy.

Dr. Wecht is quite easy to contact. I think he is the ONLY Cyril Wecht in PA. If anyone knows the family, please pass on the info.

[bob]

Dr. Cyril Wecht is another one of these people I have utmost respect for. I love just listening to the man talk. I wish I was half as smart. Just get him going on JFK. Love him! Now there are some here in Pittsburgh, namely the editorial management staff of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, who aren't too kind to this man. They say he's an egoist. But I have to disagree, in all my personal interactions with Dr. Wecht (I still can't call him just Cyril) he has never talked down to me or come across as pompous. Never.
Anyway, He's the elected coroner-forensic pathologist for Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Either one of these numbers will work 412-350-4800 or 412-350-4830, which is investigations.
If anyone from the Pelasara family is reading, he is a compassionate man, he will help you.

[abigail]

Hey Bob,

Dr Wecht probably could get in contact with Taylors family easier then we could. Why not he make the call instead of them having to do more work? I'm sure they are at their wits end from making calls...Just a thought--hey what happened to JAT by the way? Slacker! :)

[absynth_minded]

Maybe Dr. Michael Baden can solve this?

[abigail]

Holy Crap! It was Friday an hour ago. Gotta go! Check in later today--ewwwe. Not right. You guys are giving me wrinkles and gray hair!
Night....

[bob]

Baden-Absolutely could as posted above. I think he's another great FP. Fantastic FP.

[Muirnin]

Dr. Cyril Wecht is another one of these people I have utmost respect for. I love just listening to the man talk. I wish I was half as smart. Just get him going on JFK. Love him! Now there are some here in Pittsburgh, namely the editorial management staff of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, who aren't too kind to this man. They say he's an egoist. But I have to disagree, in all my personal interactions with Dr. Wecht (I still can't call him just Cyril) he has never talked down to me or come across as pompous. Never.
Anyway, He's the elected coroner-forensic pathologist for Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Either one of these numbers will work 412-350-4800 or 412-350-4830, which is investigations.
If anyone from the Pelasara family is reading, he is a compassionate man, he will help you.

Posted by: bob | Nov 4, 2005 1:01:29 AM

Hi Bob.....

Glad you are still here!

Thanks for the info.....I hope someone reading here will pass it on to Taylor's family. I'd certainly contact Taylor's family if I could!

I agree with you Bob, Dr. Wecht is very compassionate. He's quite down to earth. I mentioned in an earlier post that he is quite easy to contact. I don't imagine an egoist would be easy to contact, especially one that has been consulted on so many famous cases! As far as I can see, he keeps his regular job as coroner....and continues to reside in Allegheny County, PA. He's not moved to LA to be a pathologist to the "stars"! (But, he could).

Just curious.....how do you know Dr. Wecht?

[error404]

The autopsy findings don't add up. I can understand why the cause of death may never be determined, but what about forensic evidence that could/should have been found placing Fawley or the killer with Taylor or at the crime scene?

Fingernails don't rot. Fawley clearly had defensive wounds. Why has nothing been stated about skin/blood traces found under Taylor's fingernails or even a minute strand of hair/fibre that one would expect to find, particularly as Fawley has admitted to having had sex with Taylor that night? In this day of age, it doesn't take deep forensic testing to find evidence of that nature.

Clearly, if traces of blood or skin from Fawley had been found under Taylor's nails, or if hair strands or fibres had been found that linked to Fawley, he would have been charged with Taylor's murder promptly, when he was still completely denying having had anything to do with it, well before he decided to make his confession.

So are we to believe that the forensic testing found absolutely nothing?

Or is it possible that forensic evidence WAS found, but that it did NOT soley link to Fawley?

I for one don't believe that in this day of age, forensic evidence failed to turn up a single trace of evidence linking either Fawley or the killer to Taylor behl's body or the death scene.

If I were Taylor's mother, I'd want to view the full forensic reports,(if she hasn't already), and I'd find new pathalogists to redo the tests.

Ben sure was a dumbass for confessing to having played any part in Taylor's death, LE must have bluffed him into it because they had nothing at all to go on.

But for a dumbass, he sure is a genius for removing any trace of forensic evidence of himself from Taylor and the crime scene - IF we are to believe that to be the case.

This whole case has so many loose ends...

[bob]

I first met him professionally, beginning at the time he ran against Jim Roddey for Allegheny County Chief Executive. Was that 2000? The last time I talked with him face-to-face was at his JFK Symposium at Duquesne University, my alma mater. That was over a year ago. There have been local cases inbetween.
One reason he might not be able to contact the family is because he's had some issues of late with DA Stephen Zappala. I know, politics. Zappala says he did private work on "company" time, that's my understanding of it. I think the FBI was dragged into it. I haven't talked with him since and to be honest, it really isn't my ballywick. I'm on vacation this week but thought about calling him to see what he thought about this case.
It appears you know him as well. Are you from Pittsburgh? How did you meet him?

[bob]

I suppose since fRawley admitted to being with Taylor when she died, the forensic evidence linking him to the scene would be moot. I believe he also admitted leaving her where she was found.
The accomplice idea makes sense, perhaps they do have more evidence than they are sharing. You would think if the death happened in the car that could be proven, since Taylor would have either left blood, urine or--I hate to say it--feces in the car somewhere, since she was having sex supposedly when she died, we have to assume that biological matter would have been left in the car.
As far as the family contacting outside forensic pathologists, perhaps Janey is wary of the political implications of such a move. After all, she has to have faith in Virginia LE, if she went outside, it might not be viewed in a positive light. Still, sharing a coroner's report could be done quietly.
I think the problem will be finding forensic evidence that proves it happened other than how fRawley said it did. Maybe they have it. Anything is possible.

[error404]

I've re-read the autopsy findings and now see that details of Taylor's autopsy to the media only focus on the fact that a CAUSE of death could not be determined, therefore, tracings linking Fawley to Taylor may have been found, but simply not revealed to the media.

In which case I can now see why LE have not laid charges against Fawley. Simply linking him to being with Taylor, did not, at that point, indicate that he had anything to do with her death.

Prior to his confession, he simply could have had sex with her or even taken a drive with her.

If this is the case, and forensic evidence linking Fawley to Taylor WAS found but witheld from the media, then Fawley is a double dumbass for making his confession.

If it's not the case, my previous ponderings still stand.

[error404]

bob- biological evidence probably WAS found in the car, but this evidence would have been witheld as it would be the only sure thing that Taylor's true killer would have been able to confess to.

[bob]

But the wild card in all this, is that he did ask to speak with police and "confess," that's how it was reported, surely his attorney would have gone public if it was otherwise and he was pressured to tell the police something. As I recall, his attorney was quoted as telling him to keep his mouth shut. So he admitted she died with him, and that he dumped the body. So why confess to anything? There's more than we know. Maybe the fuzz have more cards than they're showing. I hope so, otherwise they wouldn't be good cops.
I don't think they've charged him with anything yet because the Grand Jury hasn't even convened on Behl let alone released a report. I don't even think they are done for the porn yet, but it's sketchy because I think the judge has to order the report to be made public and he/she may never do that...they have that option.
This line of thought makes me wonder outloud though...early on I wondered whether the chid porn and her death were connected. In that she saw something, blew up and she was silenced as a result. Just a theory mind you, it is coincidental if nothing else that they are conducting a grand jury for the porn. That shouldn't be necessary, should it? Unless the two are connected? Oh well, it's late, I'm thinking too hard.

[#7]

Dr. Cyril Wecht is another one of these people I have utmost respect for. I love just listening to the man talk. I wish I was half as smart. Just get him going on JFK. Love him! Now there are some here in Pittsburgh, namely the editorial management staff of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, who aren't too kind to this man. They say he's an egoist. But I have to disagree, in all my personal interactions with Dr. Wecht (I still can't call him just Cyril) he has never talked down to me or come across as pompous. Never.
Anyway, He's the elected coroner-forensic pathologist for Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Either one of these numbers will work 412-350-4800 or 412-350-4830, which is investigations.
If anyone from the Pelasara family is reading, he is a compassionate man, he will help you.

Posted by: bob | Nov 4, 2005 1:01:29 AM

I'm not sure if people here are suggesting the autopsy be done over, but that's probably not going to happen. Taylor was cremated.

[error404]

The forensic labs retain key body part samples that have been used for forensic testing, small portions/scrapings of bone, teeth, nails, skin (if any is found)organs etc.

Even if the body is not decomposed, these samples are just small slices and slides showing cells etc that have been taken from the body.

They can still be retested.

[Kinsey]

Omg Abs,
your right thats it .....gosh I just woke up....The plastic.Where did it come from? either she was expired in Richmond and wrapped for lack of better term, or he intentionally took the plastic to mathews.I mean if she died on the beach,I doubt he would of returned to the car for plastic just to move her.I think the plastic was used as a cover to move the body in Richmond,and thats where the abduction came into play,he thought it was agood way to argue innocence if he left hair/prints etc....but after the original inconclusive COD he thought he could use the Rough sex thing i think that change up in stories will be his undoing.I for one think he will crack and tell enough of the truth that they will nail him.

[justathought]

Morning Kinsey

[Teresa]

THIS BURNS MY ASS UP!!! We need Dr. Baden or Lee.

This can't be true. If it is, they better make all the other charges stick.

Good morning all!

[Diane]

Some forensic tests can take a couple months to get results.I am "vanilla" in this area but if fawley had sex with Tayor would the sperm still be present even though her body was so badly decomposed? I was reading where DNA starts to break down in warm and moist climates.I don't know if this sex thing is even true or if it is another half baked lie on fawleys part.Somehow I don't see Taylor having sex with this guy that night as Jake and Taylor were sorta back together.Unless he raped her at gunpoint I don't buy his story.Whatever happened that night I believe a struggle occurred hence the scratches on Ben. This was not consensual sex if it happened. His attorney will have a hard time explaining the scratches to a jury.I hope they will be able to have his former girlfriends testify about his violence rages with them. He had a pattern of abuse with women.It will be a key part in this trial.

[Diane]

Good Morning Teresa!!

[absynth_minded]

On the plastic:

No details have been given... probably for a reason.

We do not know whether it was a plastic drop cloth, similar to what an ARTIST would use or whether she was "mummified" in saran wrap, which would suggest a more fetishistic, not to mention PREMEDITATED, eliment.

*would also point to the obvious; that the body wasn't wrapped inside the car.

On DNA:

Ben has done a very good job of covering the many ways that his DNA could be found.. we've laughed at his "abduction" scenario, but what it has done is made the picture that much more murky.

As for his admitting to being responsible for her death, that's simply a matter of setting up whatever defense he plans on using. He had to know that it was all going to point to him..for one reason or another.

As of now, it doesn't look like LE will ever have a solid murder in the first conviction... there is plenty of cause for doubt, which bf is well aware of.

[Teresa]

http://www.wric.com/Global/story.asp?S=4072083

Taylor's mom talked with 8 news. I feel so bad for her.

[justathought]

I don't know if they can have former girl friends testify about the abuse that they went through or not. The reason I don't think so though is unless he was convicted, not just charged, they will not be allowed to be brought up in most VA courts.

There was a murder here several years ago where the guy admitted to it. And years before that he had killed someone else (murder for that but not convicted, he got off on a technicality sp) So he is charged with lesser charges. Because he was NOT convicted of the first one it could not be brought in my borther-in-law's murder at all!

[Rick]

I had hoped to avoid being too graphic about what happens to bodys in the woods but there still seems to be a lot of questions about the forensic evidence.
The body begins decomposing immediately after death beginning with soft tissue. Taylor was laid in a ditch, not buried, in Virginia, during the summer, possibly wrpped in plastic which holds heat/moisture. By mid-day you could smell the decomp. The flies and other bugs come within hours and attack the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and if she was nude the anus and vagina. By dark or before dawn the 2nd day the rodents, mice, rats,opossums attack the body tunneling into it. The blood and other fluids have begun to settle in the body, where tears in the skin have occured they become drains. If there are foxes, coyotes or bears in the area they will begin feeding soon as will buzzards.The body begins to dessicate, dry out, and the skin shrinks so as to appear like a mummy. There is soon very little tissue left by the end of a month probably very, very little tissue other than hair,cartlige and bone. By then finding sperm or stomach contents is likely impossible.

[Teresa]

^ I know Rick, We had a friend that hung himself and was not found for only 3 days and it was not good. He did it in the woods.

[justathought]

Morning Rick!

[Rick]

G'morning all

[bob]

Agreed Rick, there wouldn't have been much there. I also agree some slides, etc. would have been kept. I have a question though, a while back the topic of fingernails came up, and correct me here---I think fingernails are calcium and critters eat that too. I know deer antlers are calcium and bucks shed them pretty often, yet we never see them---cause the critters eat them. This I am sure of.

[lindadanette]

I was looking for new info on the case - when I, unfortunately came across this. Apparently Ms Crabill is enjoying her 15 minutes of fame. Someone will undoubtedly accuse me of "exploiting" an innocent person, I just think we need to look at the realities of the "scene" that Taylor was drawn into. While this is not technically "porno", clearly Ms Crabill posed for it and gave permission for it to be published less than a month after her name hit the news. The really scarey thing, to me, is that this is considered "kewel" by so many "suicide girls"

http://www.wadimagazine.com/centerfold.asp

[Diane]

Good morning all and Rick thanks for the post above!!

[Rick]

Bob: The skin around fingernails recedes as it tightens which is why folks used to think they continued to grow. As far as I know the critters don't go for the calcified remains until they dry out...unless there is something else they want present. Meaning that if her hands smelled of food they'd probably be left alone for a while.

[Rick]

linda: At work, can't look at the link but I'll tell you this. EC had shoots completed and scheduled BEFORE any of this happened. She hasn't taken anything new unless it's been in the last two weeks

[absynth_minded]

Reminds me of a Richard Ramirez (AKA The Night Stalker) quote:

"Big deal. Death always went with the territory. I'll see you at Disneyland."

People who are attracted to the macabre seem to be very desensitized. Perhaps the same can be said for many of us, especially if our jobs require us to keep a "professional distance" from terminal medical patients, victims of violent crime, or whatever our line of occupation may include.

IDK... just doesn't seem like death phases Ms. Crabill much... anymore than it does her ex-boyfriend.

*To the same extent, we do not know for sure that these photos weren't posed for LONG AGO, and the webmaster of "WAD<" isn't simply an opportunist.

[bob]

Lindadanette
Makes sense, she's in this business, she is popular right now, why not jump on it? I don't think she was mourning Taylor for very long, and she has an opportunity window here. Soooo.
I wonder though, if these magazines that had pictures of her on a shelf unused have now decided to use them, sensing their readers may want to see her. Thus using her real name and not some alias. It could be the editors bringing her out now as much as her wanting it.
She does zippo for me and i for one could care less.
This link you posted, i'm not sure if this is an on line magazine, a web page in conjunction with a print magazine, or what. I didn't see any article accompanying the photo.