Tragedy in the Woods: The Killing of Taylor Due and the Hunt for Brooks Dean Due
It was a quiet morning shattered by violence—a moment of horror that would ripple through a community, leaving behind a trail of grief, questions, and heartbreak. On that day, Taylor Due, a young woman known for her warm smile and bright spirit, was shot to death inside her own home—a place where she should have been safest.
The news spread quickly and with it, a warning: Brooks Dean Due, Taylor’s estranged husband, was armed and dangerous. He was on the run. Law enforcement agencies leapt into action immediately. With the grim knowledge that domestic violence cases can escalate quickly into lethal outcomes, they mounted an urgent and large-scale manhunt.
Police units flooded the wooded areas surrounding Taylor’s home. Drones flew overhead while officers, some in tactical gear, fanned out across the dense forest landscape. K-9 units were brought in to track the scent. Nearby roads were shut down and neighbors were warned to stay inside.
Then came the discovery—nearly 75 yards into the thick woods, surrounded by silence and shadow, they found Brooks Dean Due. He was dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The hunt was over, but the pain was just beginning for those who loved Taylor.
Authorities later confirmed that arrest warrants had already been signed before Brooks was found. The evidence against him was strong, and law enforcement was preparing to bring him to justice. But he took that opportunity away—fleeing from accountability, from the law, and ultimately from life itself.
The Story Behind the Violence
Taylor and Brooks had a complicated history. According to court documents and family statements, their relationship had grown increasingly toxic in the months leading up to the tragedy. Friends said Taylor had taken steps to distance herself from Brooks, trying to reclaim her peace and safety. She was working on starting over.
Domestic violence advocates warn that the period after someone leaves an abusive partner is often the most dangerous. It was during this vulnerable time that Brooks returned—this time with deadly intent.
Neighbors reported hearing gunshots, followed by a chilling silence. When first responders arrived, they found Taylor lifeless inside her home. The scene was devastating. A young life extinguished in an instant. A family forever altered.
The Aftermath and a Community in Mourning
News of the murder-suicide sent shockwaves through the community. Vigils were held, flowers laid, and prayers offered for Taylor and her grieving loved ones. Social media flooded with condolences and remembrances. Friends described her as kind, creative, and full of dreams she was working hard to achieve.
“She was sunshine,” one friend wrote. “She didn’t deserve this.”
Law enforcement officials held a press conference, offering more details about the manhunt and reaffirming their commitment to supporting Taylor’s family. “This is a tragedy beyond words,” said the sheriff. “We hoped for a different outcome, one where justice could be served in a courtroom. Unfortunately, that won’t happen now.”
Raising Awareness About Domestic Violence
While Taylor’s story ends in tragedy, it has also become a call to action. Advocates stress the importance of recognizing the warning signs of abuse and taking them seriously. Restraining orders, support networks, and intervention programs are crucial—but they must be accompanied by societal awareness and systemic support.
Taylor’s death is not an isolated incident. According to national statistics, hundreds of women are killed each year by current or former partners. Each one leaves behind a grieving family, shattered dreams, and a community asking, “How could this happen?”
In Memory of Taylor Due
As the investigation closes, Taylor’s memory remains. Her family has asked for privacy as they grieve but also urged others to speak out against domestic violence, to protect those at risk, and to remember Taylor not for how she died—but for how she lived.
A fund has been established in her honor to support local domestic violence shelters and awareness campaigns. For those who knew her, it’s a small way to keep her light shining in a world that now feels a little darker.
Rest in peace, Taylor. You were loved, and you will never be forgotten.
