Taylor Wright, a former police officer and private investigator, was tragically murdered in 2017 by someone she considered a close friend — Ashley McArthur. What began as a trusted financial handoff turned into a horrifying tale of betrayal, greed, and cold-blooded murder.
This article explores Taylor’s life, her mysterious disappearance, and how her murderer was eventually brought to justice.
Bio/Wiki Table: Taylor Wright
| Full Name | Taylor Wright |
|---|---|
| Age at Time of Death | 33 |
| Year of Birth | 1984 |
| Date of Disappearance | September 8, 2017 |
| Place of Disappearance | Pensacola, Florida, USA |
| Profession | Former Police Officer, Private Investigator |
| Spouse (Ex-Husband) | Jeff Wright |
| Partner at Time | Cassandra Waller |
| Murderer | Ashley McArthur |
| Cause of Death | Gunshot wound |
| Body Found | October 2017 (buried on Ashley’s family farm) |
Who Was Taylor Wright?
Taylor Wright was a 33-year-old private investigator and a former police officer. At the time of her death, she was going through a divorce from her husband, Jeff Wright. As part of the separation process, she withdrew $100,000 from their joint account.
Taylor entrusted $34,000 of that money to her friend, Ashley McArthur, a former crime scene technician, asking her to keep it safe temporarily. Tragically, that decision would cost her life.
What Happened to Taylor Wright?
On September 8, 2017, Taylor went missing after going to meet Ashley to retrieve the $34,000. She was living with her girlfriend, Cassandra Waller, at the time, and had expressed her concerns about Ashley’s reluctance to return the money.
That morning, Taylor was texting Cassandra — but the messages stopped abruptly. Later that night, Cassandra received a suspicious text from Taylor’s phone saying she needed time to “sort out her life,” which didn’t align with Taylor’s tone or behavior.
After Taylor’s sudden disappearance, Cassandra alerted authorities.
How Did Police Catch Ashley McArthur?
Authorities began investigating Taylor’s last known movements. Evidence started to pile up:
Text messages between Taylor and Cassandra indicated she was meeting Ashley.
Bank records revealed Ashley deposited $34,000 — the same amount Taylor gave her — into her own account.
Cell phone data placed Taylor’s phone on Ashley’s family farm on Britt Road in North Pensacola, where her body was later found.
Surveillance footage and witness testimonies confirmed Ashley was the last person to see Taylor alive.
Taylor’s body was discovered buried under concrete and potting soil on Ashley’s family property in October 2017. She had been shot in the back of the head.
Why Did Ashley McArthur Kill Taylor Wright?
Investigators believe greed was the primary motive. Ashley:
Deposited Taylor’s $34,000 into her personal account
Spent lavishly, including buying a boat for her boyfriend, Brandon
Lied repeatedly to friends, family, and police
Tried to cover her tracks with fake texts from Taylor’s phone
To avoid returning the money, Ashley chose to murder her friend instead.
Ashley McArthur’s Sentencing
In August 2019, Ashley McArthur was found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
She is currently serving her sentence in a Florida state prison.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who was Taylor Wright?
Taylor Wright was a 33-year-old private investigator and former police officer who was tragically murdered by her friend Ashley McArthur in 2017.
Q2. Why did Ashley McArthur kill Taylor Wright?
Ashley murdered Taylor over a financial dispute after Taylor entrusted her with $34,000. Instead of returning the money, Ashley kept it and killed Taylor to cover up the theft.
Q3. Where was Taylor Wright’s body found?
Her remains were discovered buried under concrete and potting soil on Ashley McArthur’s family farm in North Pensacola, Florida.
Q4. Was Ashley McArthur convicted?
Yes, in 2019, Ashley McArthur was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Q5. Did Taylor have any children?
Public records and court documents do not mention any children, but Taylor was previously married to Jeff Wright before entering a relationship with Cassandra Waller.
Conclusion
Taylor Wright dreamed of starting a new life after divorce, but her trust in a close friend led to a tragic end. The story of her murder is not only heartbreaking but also a stark reminder that betrayal often comes from those closest to us. Justice was served, but the loss remains irreversible for those who knew and loved Taylor.
