Lawrence Taylor, a federal inmate, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to the second-degree murder of his cellmate at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana. The incident occurred on January 12, 2019, when Taylor killed Jan Stevens with 43 stab wounds. At the time of the murder, Taylor was serving a sentence for bank robberies committed in 2009.
John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, commented on the severity of the crime: “This murder extends beyond the taking of a life – it shatters the lives of those closest to the victim. Taylor’s act was heinous; well justifying the imposition of a life sentence.” He also praised law enforcement and federal prosecutors for their dedication to justice.
FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton emphasized the FBI's commitment to justice for victims within federal facilities: “This life sentence reflects the FBI’s commitment to justice for all victims including those who are incarcerated in federal correctional facilities. The brutality of this violent murder deserves the maximum penalty allowed under the law.”
A spokesperson from the Federal Bureau of Prisons reiterated their priority on safety and accountability: "Today's sentencing sends a clear message - those who threaten or harm others will be held accountable,” adding that facility security remains paramount.
The case was investigated by both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II imposed Taylor's life sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath and former Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Warden for prosecuting this case.