Taylor Behl Not Murdered?

I'm thinking this may be the result of some confusion. A reliable source emailed to say they heard on NBC local channel five that someone was suggesting perhaps Taylor Behl wasn't murdered. There was to be a televised report at 5 PM. I'm wondering if it was actually referring to a possible challenge in proving murder due to the story below.

VIENNA, Va. -- The cause of death of 17-year-old VCU student Taylor Behl may never be determined.

Comments

[R Nelson]

I'm am so growing tired of the these idiots. Perhaps Bubba can approach him in the showers and restrict HIS breathing.

[kinsey]

wtf not murdered.thats stupid.....I guess some will just run with the "it was accidental" bull.

[Katie]

In regards to that story in the link, I don't see how it challenges her being murdered? Unless it's just the part about the breathing, but we've known that.

[nova]

What they said was that the cause of death may never be known due to the condition of the body when it was found. that was on the tv late this afternoon here in DC.

[jadensmokes]

WTF??? Fawley is NOT a suspect in the case????

How can they seriously print that? HE has ADMITTED to stopping her breathing. There is at least a case for negligent homicide if nothing else, isn't there???

<~~~~~ Seethingly upset

[absynth_minded]

Ben knew what he was doing more than most are willing to give him credit for... This was very premeditated and he knew the chances of proving it after her body layed there rotting away for a month. He's a clever sociopath, just like most are. Cunning...like a fox.

I do not know why some people still aren't willing to buy this?

[pamy]

The guy did sex torture. He can say she died while having her breath cut off for a better orgasm. That is what got that rich preppy off that killed the girl in central park.

[Diane]

ok whats going on now been at work?? I just read the link and why did they not put Ben as a suspect?? Rick,when I was talking about hildy this am it was because she had a picture of a rat with the insides showing she was trying to get a point across about people leaving her nasty comments etc...Shes just a fruit!!

[absynth_minded]

Chambers was no Fawley. Fawley is a textbook sociopath, make no mistake about it.

[justathought]

This is so sad! He admits to it and then this! The only thing that I can think of is this. Before when they first stopped calling him a person of interested they said it was because he was already in jail and they could question him anytime they wanted too then. So maybe possible that is why that statement was made! I Pray that is the reason!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[justathought]

Oh wait!!!!!!!!!!!! I just re-read it and it say he is not an "official" suspect. That does not mean that he is not. That means that they are not willing to publicly name him as one yet.

[sparky]

Interesting timing... I just wrote up a discussion of possible charges on the other thread. It's long, but I'd be interested in everyone's thoughts.

Fawley claims he killed Taylor accidentally during consensual sex. BF apparently thinks the offense is mitigated by its consensual and accidental nature, and some here have suggested this may subject him only to manslaughter charges. At first, I agreed, then I got to thinking...

First, "consent": At the time of the incident, wasn't Taylor legally a child, thus incapable of consenting to sex with an adult, and likewise incapable of consenting to being choked? If so, consent was not possible, thus it does not mitigate the offense of rape, nor the offense of causing Taylor's death. If a child asks you to put them in danger and you do it, you are responsible for the outcome. Her guardians can give consent, but she cannot... and clearly, they did not.

Here's the problem with "accidental": clearly, BF did not accidentally choke Taylor; he intentionally "restricted her breathing", but claims he accidentally overdid it, resulting in her death. Now, BF can only claim strangulation was accidental because choking has a purpose other than causing someone's death. So BF can in fact claim that Taylor's death was an accident although choking was intentional. Unfortunately, the fact that Taylor was a child does not impair the "accident" defense, because although she was legally a child and unable to consent, one could argue that BF's intent in choking her was other than murder... he can claim it was for her sexual gratification. While still a child legally, Taylor was old enough for an "accident" defense to work, and BF may escape capital murder charges if he sticks to this story.

Thoughts? Maybe someone with a legal background could comment?

sparky

[lindadanette]

The million dollar question is - What did the witnesses testify to as far as Taylor's past envolvement with Ben and possibly other boyfriends. If they can credibly show that Taylor was previously and willingly engaged in the S&M scene, then the charges against BF can only be based upon proven illegal activity.

I'm not sure that BF is a psychopath. He is certainly and obviously mentally ill. But it does not occur to me that he tried to hide his illness from Taylor or anyone else. If anything he was overly obvious about everything he thought, felt did. This is not the MO of a psychopath. I do not see that he lived a "secret life". The real tragedy here is the glorification of evil as a sub-culture response to the very real terrors of the time in which they live. This generation refers to their step-fathers as "baby dads" and many, like Taylor, live in the fear and consequences of choices their "it all about me" parents have made. Ben alludes to having met his birth mother in one of his journal entries but goes on to add that "there is much more I need to know". Ben is a poster child for the lost kids. Yes, we can say that they are merely rebellious like all teenagers are - but they are embracing a culture of violence and death that is catastophic in it's implications. A culture that, at least on the fringe, embraces starvation, self-mutilation, pornography and death as just cause. Make no mistake, we are beginning to reap what we have sown and it absolutely breaks my heart.

[Diane]

"Sociopaths are the smartest, smoothest, sweetest, con-artist, actors. They will sweep you away, use your emotions and keep you hooked until you are dead" Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at his core. Does not see others around his as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way. Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.

[Diane]

There's more if you want me to keep posting. I totally agree with absynth Ben is a sociopath.

[absynth_minded]

Profile of a Sociopath

A number of mind-manipulating cult leaders may exhibit many of the behavioral characteristics of a sociopath--an outstanding ability to charm and seduce followers. Since they appear apparently normal, they are not easily recognizable as deviant or disturbed. Although only a trained professional can make a diagnosis, it is important to be able to recognize the personality type in order to avoid further abuse. These traits also apply to a one-on-one cultic relationship.

http://home.datawest.net/esn-recovery/artcls/socio.htm

[callmeBetty]

These are also the characteristics that make for CEO's and captains of industry. There was an article in the paper this morning.

[Pearl in USA]

Its sad for the family to be left with nothing but a haunting picture of their daughter struggling for air while being choked. Pathetic all the way around. MO

[Mikeposada]

I suppose the same thing will happen hear as in the Holloway crime. They will have to prove he murdered her. Skul´s lies are not enough to prove it.

I hope this is a mistake

[bob]

Wow all kinds of shi# HAPPENING TODAY. Lets start with this one: Yes Kinsey, The Washington Times was founded by the moonies. I don't think moonies is what you call the religion, I guess this may be offensive to some to call them that I did first my apologies. Anyway, Rev. Sun Myung Moon founded the Washington Times.
here's what he said about the paper:
"Today, as we celebrate The Washington Times' 15th anniversary, I cannot help but feel deep emotion. Fifteen years ago, when the world was adrift on the stormy waves of the Cold War, I established The Washington Times to fulfill God's desperate desire to save this world. Since that time, I have devoted myself to raising up The Washington Times, hoping that this blessed land of America would fulfill its world-wide mission to build a Heavenly nation...."
Yada yada yada
In J circles the paper is respected but suspect.
I wouldn't run with any story coming from there first.

[lindadanette]

I can't speak for all psycho's, but I was attacked and almost killed by one. I also don't know Ben Fawley - most of don't. But those who do say he genuinely loves and cares for his daughters, he could be a good and caring, if mistrustful and paranoid, friend. If anything I agree with the Borderline theory - I was once friends with a girl who was eventually diagnosed with BPD. She was intellegent, funny and could be very endearing - however she lacked any core of self-worth or self-identity whatsoever. She made it all up, over and over - and couldn't trust anyone beyond the immediate conversation. She called me her best friend. And when I got married she freaked out - she didn't do physical harm, but her bizarre behavior towards my new husband (She called and asked him to have phone sex with her) effectively destroyed our friendship! (Risky behavior is A BPD trait)

[Captain Joe]

Ben Fawley is a cold blooded killer who raped a 17 year old girl twice and killed her by (his words) restricting her airway (choking her) and dumping her body in a ditch in stix east Va. He lied to the police to prevent her discovery until she had rotted to a skeleton. The prosecutor will present evidence to the Mathews grand jury soon.

[bob]

OK whoever thinks that we shouldn't bother to look at Taylor's myspace because it's done in 5 minutes and Taylor didn't care about it anyway.
Wrong. I disagree.
I see where you would think a movie from the 50s is no big deal by itself. True that. But I think if you read my post, the jest of it was, that that movie was just one more in a SERIES of things on that page that I think shows pretty clearly that Taylor used that page and space to tell fRawley to "Fuc$ Off." And yes, the picture was taken by him. And I don't think she was particularly into 50s culture, that wasn't my point either. I think the Doo Wop shirt was given to her by fRawley.
And if you think people don't use myspace or the Internet to convey what is in his or her heart when the other person is 120 miles away you are just in error there. Everybody leaves a trail, you just have to put it together. So sorry if the movie connection offended you dude.

[Diane]

I have a question for anyone of you.If Taylor's body is decomposed that bad would they still find Ben's DNA on her?? I am wondering if he really had sex with her that night.

[lindadanette]

PELASARA SAID BY the time her daughter was 3, she knew all the words to "Phantom of the Opera." "And she played Christine [the female lead in "Phantom"], not Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty," she said.
"She loved old movies," said Pelasara's sister, Debbie Gallegos. "Her favorite was 'Les Miserables.'"
The two women said Taylor also liked old rock 'n' roll such as the Beach Boys; antique books and rings; salsa dancing, in which she competed; ballroom dancing, which she student taught; and expressive T-shirts with sayings like "Stop bitching and start a revolution," "I love carbs" and "I like dorks."

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=58125&paper=73&cat=104

[Darlene]

I cant believe what i just read when i got on this site! BF Admitted to Restricting her breathing. Murdering her! thats what killing is ffs! How can they question that?

[bob]

OK now, there is truth and there is justice. Truth always equals justice but justice doesn't always equal truth. I think we knew a awhile back there would be no cause of death determined. The "tests" we are waiting for are probably for any kind of drug in her system. I don't know if ANY soft tissue was left. If there was, and there could have been, it's still a real long long shot that those tests are gonna show anything at all.
I pointed out way back when, that when the news hit the TV that the autopsy was "inconclusive," fRawley all of a sudden (it was midnight the day the news hit TV) wanted to "confess." And of course he picked some excuse that could blame the victim.
There is such a thing as adult in Virginia, which is 18, and age of "consent" in Virginia which is 15. I don't think they can get him for rape.
The DA cares about truth but his real driving force is WHAT CAN HE PROVE IN COURT.
That might be a lot different than what really happened.
We've got guesses all over the spectrum, a lot of them make sense, i think someone said kidnapping. A lot of folks here are pretty bright. But it goes back to what can be proven. And absent witnesses, absent forensic evidence, fRawley may have dodged a bullet himself.
Hate to say it let alone think it.
Lets just HOPE there is forensic or witness testimony. Then maybe we can get the TRUTH about what happened to that poor girl.

[Darlene]

Fawley is not an official suspect in the case.

What??!!! Excuse me??!!! say this isnt so!

[Darlene]

Bob, you make alot of sense. I think I understand it better now..Thank You.

[abigail]

Bob,

I believe the age of consent is 18 in Virginia. I could be wrong, but the last time it was age 15 was in or around 1999.

[Katie]

Bob, lots of great points, thank you.

[Darlene]

Hi Abigail And Bob, How are ya doin tonight?

[Darlene]

hi Katie, didnt see ya there : )

[absynth_minded]

like I've said 1,000 times.

If it was an accident, fine.. but accidents lead to feelings of guilt in most normal well adjusted people. Especially a person as "depressed," as BF is said to be.

I can't see feelings of guilt allowing a person to let another human being rot in a shallow ravine for a month, while the person's parents are going nuts, begging for answers.

Not only this, but I can't imagine accidentally killing someone and then passing out missing flyers a few days later...knowing damn well what I had done.

So, it's a matter of what you believe.

It was an accident and BF went into denile... hoping that the problem would just "go away."

or..

He's a cold-blooded manipulative sociopathic peice of shit... who never learned how to take no for an answer and still has some serious rejection and trust issues.

My money is on #2... and I'm still not convinced that the bastard hasn't left a trail of other "Taylors" in his wake...

[bob]

lindadanette thank you so much for posting the above link. THESE are the kinds of stories I like to read...it was a great article, the reporter did a fine job of trying to show us what kind of girl she was. It actually made me sadder than I was before though. What a truly remarkable and extraordinary kid...and a what a loss...sigh.
I liked this:
"She loved old movies," said Pelasara's sister, Debbie Gallegos. "Her favorite was 'Les Miserables.'"
BUT (I know someone is going to be hatin' me for sayin this...)
But Les Miserables is NOT on her myspace movies list.
Scratch another notch in my theory--she knew that prick was reading her myspace and she wanted him to know what she thought of him. Taylor had the fire, I see she got it from her mother...

[julie]

http://www.nbc12.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WWBT%2FMGArticle%2FWBT_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1128767935153

this article is shorter but leaves me feeling a little less irritated than the thread starter.

[abigail]

Hi Abigail And Bob, How are ya doin tonight?

Posted by: Darlene | Nov 3, 2005 9:14:29

I'm bummed about all this crap. Hoping they have come up with some sort of DNA in Taylors car, and maybe there was some hair left on that Angel that they could test for drugs.

How are you?

[Katie]

Hi Darlene! :)

This is probably because I'm so young and "innocent" but to me anyone who would "accidently" kill someone and leave their body to decompose is not in their right mind so I don't question that anymore. I, like everyone else, hope we can get some answers and not just have to rely on whatever BF says.

[abigail]

Okay, further research shows that the age of consent was revised in July of 2000 to the age of 18. Not in any way trying to prove you wrong Bob, just trying to make sure we can get this guy on all possible charges.

[Darlene]

How are you?

Posted by: abigail | Nov 3, 2005 9:21:27 PM

Im doin OK Abigail. Was kinda hoping that Id see(anything except this) was posted.

[Darlene]

Hi Darlene! :)

This is probably because I'm so young and "innocent" but to me anyone who would "accidently" kill someone and leave their body to decompose is not in their right mind so I don't question that anymore. I, like everyone else, hope we can get some answers and not just have to rely on whatever BF says.

Posted by: Katie | Nov 3, 2005 9:22:21 PM

I agree with you there, K. Lets hope that they find evidence soon to convict BF.

[Diane]

Bob said not to trust everything you read in the washington times. Thanks Julie for that link!

[bob]

Let's take it one step further. Did he make an attempt to conceal? Or did he WANT her body found? My guess is, he had no idea it would take them so long to find the body. In fact, my further guess is, there WAS some sort of trauma on the body, which is why he had to make up the "abducted by aliens" story. I'll bet that prick hoped they'd find her fast, they'd see some trauma and his response would be "it was that bitch erin, she's f'ed me in business and now she's trying to F me with taylor. Her friends kidnapped me, beat me up while they were out killing Taylor."
I mean, think about it. It's the damn middle of nowhere out there. Take erin out of the picture completely. You kill someone, you don't want to get caught, wouldn't you bury the damn body somewhere out there? We'd be looking for 20 years and never find it.
So then lets take it to next step. The body isn't found. All this evidence piles up. He forgets about the porn on the computer. He thinks they won't beleive the Erin story.
Then a little angel from hell comes to his aid: inconclusive autopsy.

[bob]

Abby you are so right. There are so many places for evidence I for one like you hope that they do have something. I'm crossing my fingers...

[absynth_minded]

Bottom line...

SOCIOPATHS DO NOT CARE ABOUT ANYTHING BUT THEMSELVES. A BORDERLINE IS LIKELY TO NOT EVEN CARE ABOUT THAT.

[bob]

Abby on age of consent I'm so confused about the Virginia Web site (it still says 15) I just wish someone would go to a library in Virginia and ask to see a copy of the Virginia Crimes Code.
Actually, this may be better, if your town has a mayor, stop in and ask her or him if they could get you a copy of the crimes code. It should be free.
With that book you can get the legal code for every infraction in the state.

[New Creature]

I took this quote from the link posted above at 8:52:06 by Lindadenette.

"Pelasara said the friends Taylor sought out 'usually had some major issue she would try and help them solve.'"

How she met Fawley, no doubt.

[bob]

abby if age of CONSENT is 18, are couples forbidden to marry in Virginia unless they are both 18? What is one is 18 and the other 17? A JP won't marry them?
Anyway, I truly truly truly hope you are right, because in PENNSYLVANIA, a death while engaged in illegal sexual activity is automatic second degree murder. Minimum.

[abigail]

lindadanette--

Thanks for the article. Very bitter-sweet. Well, from Taylors own family, she was trusting. Maybe she thought bf had major problems and he possibly made her feel uncomfortable at times, but at the same time she may have trusted him NOT to harm her. Maybe she was "mature" for her age, but still a child nonetheless and still trusted people as a child does and feelings get hurt if that trust is broken. This time it's much more than feelings. He took advantage of her and he took her life. He took Janet and Matt's baby away from them. He took a friend of many. I wish I'd never heard of Taylor Behl because that would mean she would still be alive. Just being a college freshman, having fun, making friends that are "kind", soaking it all in....about 6 miles from where I sit now...UUUUHHHHHHGGGGG!

[abigail]

Abby on age of consent I'm so confused about the Virginia Web site (it still says 15) I just wish someone would go to a library in Virginia and ask to see a copy of the Virginia Crimes Code.
Actually, this may be better, if your town has a mayor, stop in and ask her or him if they could get you a copy of the crimes code. It should be free.
With that book you can get the legal code for every infraction in the state.

Posted by: bob | Nov 3, 2005 9:47:52 PM

Sure Bob, I'll just walk right into Doug Wilders office and ask! :) If I cannot find out tonight, I will find out tomorrow. A co-workers husband is a police officer.