A Florida woman has been charged with second-degree murder after her husband was fatally stabbed with a cane that had a hidden blade. Terry Taylor, 58, was arrested following the death of her husband, Stanley Taylor, 67, on January 13, 2025. Police responded to a medical emergency at their Boca Raton home and found Stanley suffering from a stab wound to his torso. Terry had reportedly told neighbors to call the police and claim that her husband had “fallen on a knife.” She also told them that Stanley was experiencing a “diabetic episode,” which investigators later determined was not true.
Upon arrival, officers learned that Stanley had told medical personnel that his wife had attacked him. He allegedly said, “The bitch stabbed me” and accused her of attempting to kill him. Police spoke with Terry, who initially claimed that the stabbing occurred during a physical altercation between the couple. She said the argument started over a stereo system that Stanley had sold to his brother, leading to a struggle over a wooden cane. According to Terry, during the struggle, Stanley “stabbed himself” after he “blacked out” from the incident. She also mentioned that she had grabbed a different cane, which she described as a brass cane with a sharp point, and used it in the altercation.
Further investigation revealed that the cane Terry referred to had an illegal blade attachment. The cane’s grip could be unscrewed, and once disassembled, it revealed an 18-inch blade with visible signs of cleaning. Forensic testing confirmed the presence of blood on the blade, and it was consistent with the size of the wound on Stanley’s abdomen. Investigators also discovered several rags in the kitchen garbage and on the couch, suggesting an attempt to clean up the crime scene.
Additionally, a blood test showed that Stanley was not experiencing any diabetic shock or episode at the time of the stabbing. He had no history of diabetes and had not been taking medication for such a condition. Medical personnel attempted to save Stanley’s life, but he ultimately died from his injuries. The stab wounds were deep and located in close proximity to his back, indicating a deliberate and forceful attack.
Terry Taylor’s actions raised suspicions, and police believe she made efforts to cover up the crime by cleaning the weapon and the scene. Based on the evidence, she was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. She was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail, where she is being held without bond.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of hidden weapons and the lengths some individuals may go to in order to conceal their involvement in a crime. Terry Taylor’s claim of an accidental fall was quickly debunked by the evidence, and she now faces serious charges in connection with her husband’s death.
