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Suspect in death isn't being charged

Insufficient evidence, official says


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Gloria Taylor, the woman arrested after the stabbing death of Tina Fuller on Monday in Oxnard, is not being charged with the killing and was set to be released from jail, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Taylor was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon in Ventura County Superior Court, but the hearing was canceled at the last minute.

Deputy District Attorney Rameen Minoui said a few hours later that the District Attorney's Office "has chosen not to file charges at this time."

Chief Assistant District Attorney James Ellison said there is "insufficient evidence" to charge her.

By this morning, Taylor had been released from jail, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department web site.

Minoui said the investigation is still in progress.

Taylor, 30, of Oxnard, who also goes by the name Gloria Valadez, was arrested at the scene of Fuller's death in the 2000 block of North H Street.

Police responded to reports of a fight in the area just before noon. They found Fuller, 39, dead from multiple stab wounds.

Taylor was questioned by Oxnard police and then held in Ventura County Jail with her bail set at $500,000.

An autopsy on Tuesday confirmed that Fuller died from wounds to the chest, officials said.

Initial findings indicated that the attack was not gang-related, authorities said.

Police blocked off the area for more than eight hours as curious onlookers gathered near the corner of North H Street and Bluebell Place.

Police also interviewed possible witnesses.

One man said he saw a woman signaling for help as firetrucks arrived at the scene.

Discussions

Posted by Hueneme_girl29 on August 7, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Deputy District Attorney Rameen Minoui said a few hours later that the District Attorney's Office "has chosen not to file charges at this time."

WTF?

Gee, musta been her lucky day....

Posted by Hueneme_girl29 on August 7, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good point Shoot

Posted by pjlove10 on August 7, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I know, I know, we don't know all the facts or specifics of this case. Mental or not, this is really weird, according to what we are reading and hearing, SHE did kill this person. Maybe the fuzz is pondering over a "self defense" claim, or mistaken identity. But man, her mug shot screams of "I just killed someone.."

I hope the family can stay strong through all of this, just sad and confusing all the same.

Posted by imonlysayin on August 7, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow - crazy weird story. They must have information they aren't able to share about what happened.

It'll be interesting to see how the rest of this story unfolds...if at all.

Posted by juniormafia_ny on August 7, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Morning Hueneme_Girl

Pjlove, if it was self defense, wouldn't they still need to go to a trial to prove that? wouldn't they still keep her in custody until then?

Posted by ca4ever on August 7, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am sure they are just obtaining more evidence to assure she is prosectuted and not rush into anything to quickly. They would not just let her go for the hell of it

Posted by Schoolbusdude01 on August 7, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

juniormafia_ny, the DA's office can make that determination without going to court. but, if i read the article right the victim was stabbed multiple times. i can see once or twice as self defense but multiple times seems like some one in a rage.

Posted by busymommy on August 7, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They are putting a murderer on the streets. From what I have read she has a history of mental issues and was arrested at the scene. Come on what is going to happen when she kills someone else while they are trying to further investigate the case? Something just does not smell right about this.

Posted by MissGreen on August 7, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And why have they not even tried to give a hint on what the motive could have possibly been, all we know is that it probably isnt gang related.. that's a new one, and if it isn't gang related, how did they come to that conclution without other possible motives already in mind?! All very shady!!

Posted by Hueneme_girl29 on August 7, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gm Junior!!! Sent you an email, but never heard back.

Posted by juniormafia_ny on August 7, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hueneme_Girl I replied and I sent you another message today!

I think it's like the Fish and Game Catch and release program.

Posted by pjlove10 on August 7, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jr mafia, I'm sure they will file some kind of charges soon. You are correct in saying that a trial will determine the self defense theory. But it is strange with the nature of the killing why they would allow her to be set free, even if it's only temporary. Very violent crime here, and she should be allowed her day in court, but have her think about it until then... in jail or under some kind of pychiatric evaulation.

Posted by jwallace on August 7, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

While I agree with everyone that this bites big time, there's a few things we should also consider:

* If a person is in custody, they have to be arraigned (usually 48 hours) and a prelim hearing done within a certain amount of time. If you lose that, they go free.

* If you try someone, you cannot try them for the same crime twice. So if you screw it up the first time, that's it. Double jeopardy.

* By NOT filing charges, the DA's office is giving the detectives more time to complete the investigation so the case is more solid and charges can be filed in the future. A homicide can take a lot of work to investigate and three days isn't enough. That's why you see some of this homicide case take YEARS to plan and try.

I have no idea why they wouldn't file charges right now if the detectives thought they had enough initially to arrest her, but let's hope that they are slowing things down and taking the time to make sure it's done right and ensure a conviction. I'm perfectly happy with letting her go for a few weeks if it means she goes to jail for the rest of her life later. As opposed to spending a few weeks in jail, do a half-assed job trying her, and have a murderer walk away free.

I hate to say it, but let's have a little faith in the justice system this time around... Maybe it'll work this time.

Posted by yotonto on August 7, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TheVeracious1,

Even if we needed to be on the lookout, who would you look for?

The Star rarely gives us anything solid as to a description anyway. They're no help.

It's a miracle they posted a picture in this case. It needs to happen more often.

Posted by bugmenot on August 7, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Like others said, you can only detain somebody for (i think it's) 72 hours. DNA, toxicology and other test results can take longer than 72 hours to come back, so often they will release, but keep a close eye on her. When the results come back they can then choose to rearrest her.

Posted by thetruthdotcom on August 7, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

by luck of the irish!

Posted by mandynathan on August 7, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just because they're not filing charges "at this time" doesn't mean they won't later. They probably want to make sure they have a solid case. Keep watching.

Posted by lola on August 7, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Your absolutly right mandynathan, there is no statue of limitations on murder.

Posted by ruby_pdr on August 7, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Too all of you!!!! You do not know the whole story, IT WAS SELF DEFENSE!!!!! Tina's intentions where to hurt Gloria, at Gloria's with her children in the home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by patticakepatti on August 7, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It will be interesting to see how this one pans out. I'm guessing jealous fit of rage over a man. As someone said earlier, self-defense doesn't usually entail stabbing someone numerous times.

Regardless of the reason, this was a brutal crime, my condolances to the family. Hopefully, justice will be served.

Posted by slkrchck on August 7, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i would imagine none of us know the whole story. it's natural to speculate, but we shouldn't be having such a good time with this. i'm sure the priority isn't informing the community. we will have to expect that details aren't available instantly. investigations take time.

it's almost as if we've stumbled upon this scene in her own driveway. we're yelling to lock her up and yelling louder when she isn't. meanwhile, we're exchanging pleasantries and weekend plans. we're commenting on her state of mind and her appearance right in front of the families. we know that something terrible has happened and we will be informed when appropriate. til then folks....we must stay behind the yellow tape.

Posted by kjohnson on August 7, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Family members were posting on the earlier stories regarding this murder. They were saying it was unprovoked, the two women didn't even know each other and Taylor went ballistic. So, why is she being released when she could very well be a danger to herself, her family and the community at large? It doesn't make sense.

Posted by sandypants83 on August 7, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe Fuller and the other broad she was with came around to start sh** with Taylor and it backfired when Taylor defended herself. Yeah, I know, "multiple stabwounds" is excessive for self defense, but seriously, how many of us really believe we would stop at 1 or 2 if it was our a** being beat? At any rate, if this is the case, it wont bring a murder charge, but probably manslaughter...if any at all, seeing how it was a 2-on-1 situation. Dont you think if she really meant to kill Fuller, she would have at least tried to get away? She was arrested at the scene!

Okay, just my take on the situation...for what its worth.

Posted by ruby_pdr on August 7, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If your thinking its behind a man your wrong, stop assumming. Tina's intention's like i said where to hurt Gloria.

Posted by goodday on August 7, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well If I was being attacked by someone and it meant my life or theirs..I have a lot to live for so you know my answer. Maybe it was self defense, we don't know the whole story yet.

Posted by flips06 on August 7, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I really feel that this is a mistake. She needs to be put back into custody and wait for her trial. Law enforcement will regret this if she kills someone else while she is out waiting for law enforcement to gather more information.God Bless our family as we wait for the truth according to evidence.

Posted by Latina_805 on August 7, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

so if someone comes to my house to start trouble and brings a friend, I can defend myself and stab them to death? And then wait for the PD at the scene to get arrested. And be free to walk the next day? WTF???

Posted by goodday on August 7, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anyone know what the beef was between them? In the other article someone was saying that they had never met and fuller was at glorias house visiting a friend when Gloria went into rage and cornered her? Hmmm...

Posted by sandypants83 on August 7, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Latina_805:
No, but if they come to you to do you harm, yes you can defend yourself.

Posted by Latina_805 on August 7, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wouldn't it be nice if Gloria Taylor would come and make a post regarding what really happened that day, since she's out free...

Posted by goodday on August 7, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Latina_805..Yeah, that would be nice but dont bet on the horses.

Posted by flips06 on August 7, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is her cousin from Los Angeles I hope and pray that each and everyone of you would stop assuming and lets wait to see what will happen because only God is in control. No one seems to be concerned that she would have been turning the big 40th she and I was born on the same day in 1968 and share some of the same things. Because of some misunderstandings and anger she will not be able to celebrate her Birthday. Please lets consider that her daughter is suffering and will miss her mom dearly. Can we all just get along.God Bless.......

Posted by vgomez on August 7, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I totally agree with Flips06. Stop making assumption and let the Ventura Police Department do their job.
Thanks,

vgomez in Portland Oregon

Posted by ruby_pdr on August 7, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sandypants83 well put!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by stave1 on August 7, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I for one am very concerned to have this woman on the streets. Maybe, the star shouldn't have said anything. Because, we don't know the whole story. Did she know this woman or not?? Is this woman known to be violent before?? There are to many unanswered questions...as citizens we need to be quite sure that she will not go and stab someone else today. Do we have any recourse?

Posted by Comments on August 7, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm very sorry for all the family and friends involved in this tragedy. I offer special condolences especially for the family of the murdered woman. May her daughter and grandchild find peace during this difficult time.

And, while I understand the family's desire for the speculation to stop, I'm not sure that that's a reasonable request. There was a brutal murder in our area and it's only natural that we would be concerned and want some answers. We want answers for Tina's sake - since her murder deserves to be explained. And, we want answers for Gloria's sake - whatever those answers turn out to be, guilty or not. However, we also want to know whether or not there is a current risk on the streets. There is very little information being released here and it's understandable that there would be concern. And, since there is no real information being reported people will unfortunately speculate. There is clearly a HUGE piece of this story not being reported. My questions are: Did Gloria kill Tina? Were there in fact eye witnesses and is it a sure thing? If so, then why on earth was she released from jail? The explanation that it is so that investigators can conduct an investigation is just crap. If they really felt she was a murderer then I can't imagine why she'd be let loose. If they are unsure as to whether or not she murdered Tina (and that's why she was released) then should we be worried about a murderer on the loose? If so, how about a description? If Gloria claimed it was self defense and initial witness interviews and investigations back up that claim then I suppose I can see why she'd be released. However, in that case I think that the public has a right to know that that is the defense. I could never in a million years imagine myself taking another life. However, if I found myself having to protect my life or my child's and I killed in obvious self defense then I'd hope to be released from jail immediately as well.

So, it's very clear that there's so much more to this story than is being told by the police and the Star. The Star could easily obtain more facts if they sent a reporter to question the witnesses. I wonder why they aren't doing that? Doing so would not impede the police investigation nor would it have an impact on any future trial. It's called investigative reporting.

Again, condolences to all involved. No matter what happened a woman who clearly had many loved ones has lost her life. Sad.

Posted by slkrchck on August 7, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

flips06 said...........
"No one seems to be concerned that she would have been turning the big 40th she and I was born on the same day in 1968 and share some of the same things."

that is the least of my concerns. but i'm sure truth will out.

Posted by high_society on August 7, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, stave1:

The good thing is, we have her picture all over the paper, so if you see her-

run!

You can call the cops and say you are "scared for your life" as well, and even if they don't do a thing, now they have the police report and if she were to do something, I'd sue the DA for endangering the community.

There are obviously loopholes in the law. But as a citizen, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO DEFEND YOURSELF.

Posted by damhotpepper on August 7, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1 block from my place and they let her go. What the hell is that. Oxnard PD do you jobs and get the killer off the streets.

Posted by star on August 7, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I, for one, think it's time to stop letting local prosecutors decide who to charge, and juries who to convict. Clearly, the Star's articles are informative enough, and the regular commenters wise enough, to decide who gets sent to prison. We should just hold a vote here in the forum.

Posted by unclejed on August 7, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To Ms. Ruby..I am Tina's Uncle. I think I know my niece better than you would know her? Tina is a very nice person, she was assertive and very smart.
She's also a young lady who had to learn to defend her self at a young age being raise up in a big city like L.A. She was raise by my Mother to give people their respect. What I am told is Gloria(the raging lady) went off on them first, hitting Tina's friend above the eyebrow causing her to get some serious stitches. Then she went after my niece, but Tina is one that you don't jump in her face. I heard they fought and Tina(seeing that this young lady is CRAZY and OFF the hook) got out of Gloria's UNCLE'S house. Not Gloria's. Trying to get to her car and thats where Gloria fought dirty, and stabbed my niece many times. RUBY you admitted your friend kill my
niece in Self Defense. So there we know Gloria is a murderer. I don't think it was self defense, I think she got her butt whip...and instead of staying in her house, calling the police or ending it...in a Drug Rage..she committed murder over a senseless fight. YOU Don't go out stabbing folks multiple times NO MATTER WHAT! You call the Law. This is crazy they let her out at this time..to soon...I'm pretty sure she'll be back in or hopefully the truth will be told soon. We're all guessing. But I heard my story from a good source who was there (a witness). Yes Tina's family is upset, but we're intellingent, God Fearing, and respectable.
God will answer our Prayers about this whole situation. God Bless, Uncle Jed.....

Posted by DeborahDouglas on August 7, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've read every posting posted since Monday and it still seems we are speaking of someone other than the Tina Fuller I know. Tina and I grew up in the same neighborhood in Inglewood,Ca. Her Grandmother, Ms. Nixon would tell me to take my behind home in a heartbeat. Tina and I dated two brothers who were twins. We were pregnant at the same time and had our daughters' only 4 months apart. We did so much together and I just can not believe this is Tina we are talking about. To know Tina, was to love Tina. She'd do anything she could to help you in any way that she could.
There is definitely a big piece of this puzzle that none of us know about. Perhaps, not even Gloria (May God Bless her too). But I know from experience that the truth always comes to the light.
God's Blessing to you Sook(Naenae), Cheryl, Tina's Dad and his family, Uncle Jed, Jeff and many more; and Tina's other family, Nisha, Valley, Mika,Denise, Lamon,Dion, etc. What a tremendous lost to all of us that knew her.

Deborah Douglas (Auntie Peaches)

Posted by CatInAHat on August 7, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

2000 block of North H Street --- what a slum.

Posted by jesscuz on August 7, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I for one do belive this whole story is fishy, either this women killed tina or she didn't. I am sure the police know the answer. I am sure the police questioned the women that was with Tina and the uncle that supposed to have invited them over, and any other person that was there. I belive that the woman that was with Tina her statement alone that this lady stabbed Tina to death should be enough to hold Gloria on murder charges alone. If these two women did go there uninvited to harm Gloria then I could understand why they would let her out, but then if that was the case they would have said that. The police department said that they were going to release her due to lack of edvidence what the hell is that. I am sure that they have enough people and the girls friend alone should be enough edvidence so why is the police department being so vage. If these women never met or even knew of each other what would they have to argue about. If they did go there to hurt Gloria as her friend states then I would say this is what happens when some one goes to people's home uninvited to put harm to them it doesn't always work out in there favor. At the same time if they were invited as family members say they were then this woman shouldn't even be released from jail. Another question how did the boyfriend know where they were? Was he called and told? Also she was stabbed several times. Did anyone try to intervine at all? Was there only 3 people there? If not how many more? It would seem like some one would at least jump in and either help get Gloria off Tina or help Tina fend off Gloria. No matter what the situation is there is no reason to murder anyone. This story doesn't seem right on either half so I send my condolence out to both sides of the family and like the other person wrote earlier if this is a case of protecting one's self and home then I to would hope to be released if not then hope justice will soon take place but like some where saying I wasn't there and unless you were there then you will never know the whole truth my condolence to all

Posted by jesscuz on August 7, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would like to add one more thing no matter who was at fault here, I think the family members of Tina have carried themself very respectfully expecially under the circumstances. My hat tips off to this respectful family may peace be with you

Posted by unclejed on August 7, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Guys, sometimes the spirit will come to you during these types of situations...I was just thinking that, I heard Gloria was a friend to Tina's boyfriend baby's mama. Tina's boyfriend baby's mama did not like Tina. I heard she was supposely stocking Tina. I don't think my niece was afraid of that. Seeing Tina's car over to Gloria's Uncle which Tina did not know Gloria, the Girlfriend may have been outside hiding on the side of the house??? with a knife??? Gloria may have told her Tina was over her house. So after the fight in the house, they ran outside Tina's friend ran one way..and Tina may have been attack by someone else other than Gloria??? I do know that Gloria knows Tina's Boyfriends ex. Again thanks to all, even Tina's old friend and cousins I haven't never met...God do reveal things to his own. I could be wrong...we will see. Thanks to all who have kept up with this story..There is a crazy person out there in Oxnard..Hope you guys catch her..Love, from Seattle WA. Uncle Jed.... This could be another way this could have happened,,thought just came to me.

Posted by mike24 on August 7, 2008 at 3:50 p.m.

(This thread was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by goodday on August 7, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MAY SHE REST IN PEACE AND MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.

Posted by jwallace on August 7, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, isn't it amazing when a "friend" of the family or a family member gets on here and flips out?

Sorry, Mike24, but I don't think you're going to get much respect on this forum when you make comments that include being "straped for protection." For one, it hints that the family isn't exactly innocent about something, and two, you aren't exactly pulling at the ol' heart strings. YALL UNDERSTAND?

By all means, Nae Nae, keep your head down, especially since we all need to "stop talking about what yall dont know that anint family."

Posted by lilmamma on August 7, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We need to let the detectives and the OPD do their job so that justice will be served. Everybody involved in this incident needs prayer and support. If you want to be active in the justice system serve as a juror instead of getting it postponed.

Posted by onapproach on August 7, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"One man said he saw a woman signaling for help as firetrucks arrived at the scene."

Who cares??

Posted by DETOUR on August 7, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I NOW UNDERSTAND HOW OUR STREETS ARE FULL OF KILLERS, DRUG DEALERS AND CHILD MOLESTERS. IT BRINGS ME TO TEARS THAT THEY CAN HOLD SOMEONE IN JAIL FOR MURDER WITHOUT A BODY NOW A DAYS. AND SHE WAS CAUGHT RED HANDED. WHATS NEXT, ARE THEY GIVING HER A CHANCE TO KILL AGAIN.A LIFE IS TAKEN AND NO ONE IS PAYING FOR IT, OTHER THAN THE GRIEVING FAMILY. GOD HAVE MERCY ON THE SOUL OF THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THE PAPERS TO LET HER OUT. WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO.

Posted by freind on August 7, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hello out there,I am one of Tina's best friends. And I can assure you that she would have not gone to that house if she wasn't invited there. She was a very good person, she was not a trouble maker. she was a fun,loveing,careing, kind hearted and hard working person. My question is to Gloria,WHY DID YOU TAKE HER FROM US ??? Her family and mines will moarn forever. We are completely devastated. Rest in peace Tina Boo. You know who I am. I will miss you deeply my friend.I love you.

Posted by chiques on August 7, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oxnard PD detectives have their work cut out for them. They have a good wrap-sheet in solving and documenting crimes so I feel confident they will get to the bottom of this. Let's cut them some slack and let the evidence do the talking.

Posted by freind on August 7, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have something else I would like to express.My friend was not armed. She was invited there and her life was taken. She was the victim in all of this. She was a beautiful person. Murdured. Can some one answer with the whole truth. Please!!!!

Posted by Camdad101 on August 11, 2008 at 5:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just more Oxnard ghetto mama papa baby drama.



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