Case # 15WF1010
Date: March 27, 2018
MAN SENTENCED TO 23 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ATTEMPTING TO MURDER WOMAN BY PAYING UNDERCOVER HUNTINGTON BEACH POLICE OFFICERS POSING AS HITMEN
SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was sentenced to 23 years in state prison today for attempting to murder a woman by paying undercover Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) officers posing as hitmen.
| Defendant | Charges | Sentence |
| Joseph Jordan Taylor, 32, Huntington Beach | Pleaded guilty on March 20, 2018, to the following felony counts:
Prior Strike Convictions
|
23 years in state prison |
Circumstances of the Case
- In May 2015, the HBPD became aware of a plan made by Taylor to murder Jane Doe.
- On May 12, 2015, the defendant paid thousands of dollars to HBPD officers posing as hitmen to murder Jane Doe, with the agreement to pay them more money once she was murdered. The interaction was recorded by HBPD.
- Shortly after paying the officers, Taylor was arrested.
At the sentencing today, Jane Doe stated in part, “Joe you have done this to me. And Why is my biggest question. Why did you want to take my life, why would you want my daughter to be raised without me …” She continued, “You and your family have bankrupted me, slandered me, alienated my child from me, abused me, terrorized me, taken everything that meant anything to me and you actually paid someone to take my life … It’s been nine years of constantly looking over my shoulder and worrying what’s going to happen next.” Jane Doe concluded, “I have faith this court will hear me today and understand the vicious cycle I have suffered for years. All I want is to raise my children in peace without fear.”
Prosecutor: Senior Deputy District Attorney Jess Rodriguez, Special Prosecutions Unit