On June 21, 2016, a 58-year-old Black / African American woman named Joni Marie Taylor was found deceased in Indianapolis, Indiana, the victim of a homicide. Born on August 26, 1957, in Indianapolis to Stella L. Taylor-Alamin, Joni was a lifelong resident of the area. She was a graduate of John Marshall High School, class of 1976, and had spent her career working various jobs, with her final employment being at an Amazon Distribution center.
Known to friends and family as a cheerful individual who enjoyed cooking and playing cards, she was a dedicated member of the Good Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church and was often called "Dee Dee" by those in her neighborhood.
The circumstances surrounding her death were investigated by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. While reports confirmed that her death was ruled a murder, specific details regarding the cause of death, such as the weapon used or the exact manner of the killing, were not widely publicized in available media reports at the time. Her passing was marked by a visitation and funeral service held in early July 2016 at the Lavenia and Summers Home for Funerals, followed by interment at New Crown Cemetery.
Despite the classification of her death as a homicide, the case appears to have gone cold. Public records and crime databases listing the incident indicate that no suspects have been identified or arrested in connection with her murder. Years after the fact, the case remains listed in cold case databases with suspect details noted as unknown, and there have been no reports of charges filed or convictions secured in relation to the death of Joni Taylor.
