When a criminal investigation uncovers a web of lies, betrayal, and violence, it often leaves a community in shock.
Such was the case in Fort Smith, Arkansas, when 72-year-old retired teacher William Dubois Jr. was found brutally murdered in his home.
What began as a routine welfare check quickly spiraled into a chilling crime scene investigation that exposed a tangled story of deceit, stolen property, and a young woman’s desperate attempts to cover her tracks.
This is the story of how criminal investigators pieced together the evidence that ultimately led to the arrest and conviction of Taylor Elkins.
Let's get into it
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| William Dubois Jr. |
Background of the Case
On July 11, 2019, officers from the Fort Smith Police Department responded to a call from a concerned neighbor requesting a welfare check at the home of William Dubois Jr.
The neighbor, Denton Stringer, reported hearing unusual noises days earlier and had not seen Dubois since.
Dubois was a beloved retired teacher and substitute educator for over 46 years.
He was known for his kindness and generosity, making his sudden disappearance raise red flags.
When officers arrived at Dubois' home, they immediately detected a foul odor coming from the house, prompting them to investigate further.
As the officers combed through the house, they found Dubois’ lifeless body in the bathroom.
The investigation of the crime scene revealed a horrifying discovery: Dubois had been brutally beaten to death.
According to online reports, Dubois was hit with a hammer 27 times, causing fatal injuries to his body.
The scene suggested a violent struggle, and the absence of forced entry indicated that the killer likely had access to Dubois’ home.
The presence of blood spatter and open drawers hinted at a possible robbery gone wrong.
Also, some of William Dubois’ belongings, like his wallet, phone, and TV, were missing from his house, making the botched robbery theory very plausible.
However, there were no signs of forced entry, and the front door was locked, suggesting a more carefully planned crime.
In fact, responding officers and crime scene investigators had to call his landlord to bring a spare key before they could enter Dubois’ house and discover his body.
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| Taylor Elkins |
Investigation and Arrest
Preliminary investigations by the local police department revealed that William Dubois's red 2013 Ford Focus was reported missing.
Detectives soon discovered that Taylor Elkins, a 26-year-old woman staying with her grandfather (who happened to be Dubois’ neighbor, Denton Stringer), was driving Dubois’ missing car.
When questioned, Elkins initially claimed she borrowed the car from a man named “Sean.”
However, her story quickly unraveled as detectives uncovered inconsistencies and lies.
Criminal investigators worked tirelessly to piece together the events leading to Dubois’ murder.
Using a GPS tracker installed in the car, officers traced Elkins’ movements, placing her at the scene of the crime.
Surveillance footage and witness statements further implicated her, revealing that she had been in Dubois’ home around the time of his death.
During interrogation, Elkins changed her story multiple times.
First, she claimed a man named Sean gave her the car.
Then, she alleged that Dubois had offered her the car in exchange for sexual favors.
Finally, she accused another man, Joseph Rogers, of committing the murder while she was present.
However, detectives quickly debunked her claims, revealing that Sean had been in jail at the time and Rogers had no connection to the crime.
The most damning evidence came in the form of a hair sample found in Dubois’ hand, which matched Elkins’ DNA.
This physical evidence, combined with her possession of the stolen car, left little doubt about her involvement.
Legal Proceedings
Taylor Elkins was charged with first-degree murder on October 9, 2019, as reported by 4029TV.
Due to the overwhelming evidence, she accepted a plea deal in January 2020, avoiding a potential life sentence.
Instead, she was sentenced to 40 years in prison, with eligibility for parole after serving 70% of her term—approximately 28 years.
During the trial, Dubois’ family expressed their grief and frustration.
His wife, Susan, shared, “I don’t hate her, I can’t hate her. I believe in God, and God has seen us through.”
Despite the pain, the family chose to accept the plea deal to avoid the emotional toll of a trial.
The motive behind Taylor Elkins's crime is still somewhat unclear since she never admitted to the murder or made a confession.
However, according to the body cam footage of her arrest below—shared by Dr. Insanity on YouTube—Taylor killed Dubois after he refused to lend her money.
While in prison, she reportedly told a cellmate that she went to Dubois' house to ask for money, and when he refused, she violently attacked him before stealing his car.
The murder of William Dubois Jr. is a tragic reminder of how trust can be betrayed in the most horrifying ways.
Thanks to the diligent work of crime scene investigators and the local police department, justice was served.
However, the case leaves lingering questions about the true motives behind such a brutal act.
As for Taylor Elkins, her 40-year sentence ensures that she will have ample time to reflect on the consequences of her actions.
Got a tip about a crime? Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS immediately.
You can also see how to report a crime anonymously online if you wish to remain anonymous.
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