A woman in West Virginia was arrested after she allegedly killed her husband and adult daughter and left their bodies to burn in a house fire.
The West Virginia State Police confirmed that Nicole Taylor has been charged with first-degree murder, arson and use or presentation of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection to the deaths of her husband, Robert Taylor III, and their daughter, Cynthia Taylor.
The incident took place one year before her arrest in late September 2025 at a residence in Harpers Ferry.
After the home started on fire, Nicole, 55, reportedly escaped the house after sustaining significant burn injuries. She was then rushed to a regional burn center in a helicopter for treatment.
Authorities also found Robert, 56, and Cynthia’s remains in the home, and they launched an investigation into the matter. One year after the fire, state investigators said they now believe both Robert and Cynthia, 21, died before the home burst into flames.
Police said they believe Nicole shot her husband multiple times and that he died from gunshot wounds. Meanwhile, investigators have not revealed how they believe Cynthia died.
Authorities first learned of the fire when they were called to the residence around 9 a.m. to put out the blaze, according to The Journal. At the time, responding officers noted that two of Nicole and Robert’s other adult children were treated for minor injuries after the fire. Both of the unnamed adult children survived.
The investigation into the matter turned criminal in October 2025 after the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office found that the fire was caused by arson, according to The Spirit of Jefferson.
Meanwhile, authorities said that a separate probe by state troopers connected Nicole to the shooting death of Robert, as well as the fire itself.
Nicole was arrested on Tuesday, September 22, and is currently being detained in the Eastern Regional Jail. Authorities confirmed that she is being held without bond.
It’s not currently clear if Nicole has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following her arrest. The West Virginia State Police Department did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding updates in the case and additional information.
The state police and fire marshal worked with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives (ATF) amid the nearly year-long investigation.
