Snapped: Women Who Murder
Episode: April Quick
Release Date: February 23, 2025
Overview
In this gripping episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, broadcasted by Oxygen, listeners are taken through the tragic and tumultuous life of Phil Taylor, a dedicated father battling addiction, and the complex relationships that ultimately led to his untimely death. The episode delves deep into the circumstances surrounding Phil's murder, the ensuing investigation, and the pivotal role played by April Quick and her partner, Amy Herring, in unraveling the mystery.
Phil Taylor's Early Life and Personal Struggles
Phil Taylor, born in 1966 and raised in Florida, developed a passion for cars early in life. Dropping out of high school to pursue his automotive dreams, Phil worked diligently, eventually opening his own mechanic shop in Norwood, Missouri, after relocating from Florida. Despite his professional success, Phil grappled with personal demons, notably the loss of his father at a young age, which left a lasting void in his life.
Family Member (06:07): "His dad passed away when he was really young and that really bothered him a lot. And he had a lot of trouble with that."
Relationships and Downward Spiral
In Norwood, Phil met Melina Cooley, a single mother and waitress. Their relationship blossomed, leading to marriage in 1994 and the addition of two daughters, Ashley and Shelby, to their family. However, Phil's stability was short-lived as he fell into substance abuse, which strained his marriage and led to infidelity.
Phil's involvement with April Quick, a 17-year-old at the time, marked the beginning of his downfall. Their affair, which began as a teenage crush, intensified over time, leading Phil to divorce Melina in 1998. Relocating with April to Florida, Phil's addiction worsened, culminating in missed child support payments and a stint in jail in 2007. Upon returning to Missouri sober and determined to rebuild his life, Phil reopened his mechanic shop and sought to reconnect with his children and ex-wife.
Melina Aldridge (12:22): "He was a good guy, hard working, cared a lot for us kids. He would do anything for them."
The Murder of Phil Taylor
Five months after his return to Missouri, Phil's renewed commitment to his family came to a tragic end. On a peaceful September evening, Phil was found dead at a remote roadside park in Ava, Missouri. The initial investigation revealed multiple stab wounds and a gunshot wound to his left temple, indicating a brutal and personal attack.
Detective (14:14): "Generally, when you see that type of aggression, you have some type of personal connection."
Investigation and Suspects
The investigation initially focused on two primary suspects: Phil's new girlfriend, Tammy, who was still married at the time, and his ex-girlfriend, April Quick. However, a crucial breakthrough occurred when Phil's cell phone activity suggested he was being followed, leading detectives to uncover surveillance footage of a woman unrelated to April, connected through stolen items reported the night of the murder.
This revelation pointed towards Amy Herring, April's partner, creating a tangled web of relationships and motives. As evidence mounted, April and Amy's alibis unraveled, revealing inconsistencies and connections to the crime scene.
Detective (21:12): "We had the girlfriend in Marshfield or we had April Quick in Mountain Home, Arkansas."
The Confrontation and Confession
April Quick eventually confessed to the murder during an intense interrogation. She recounted how a confrontation between Phil and her led to a physical altercation, during which Amy intervened by stabbing Phil to protect April. In a panicked attempt to divert suspicion, they staged a robbery by stealing Phil's wallet contents and attempting to destroy evidence.
April Quick (38:54): "He said, you remember where we used to meet? We used to meet there when he was murdered. Melina."
Despite her confession, discrepancies between her account and the forensic evidence kept investigators skeptical. Further pressure and additional evidence, including burned items believed to be related to the crime, solidified the case against both April and Amy.
Detective (41:28): "They planned this murder and then they filed a false report in Mountain Home, Arkansas to say that your home was burglarized and the murder weapon was stolen."
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Faced with overwhelming evidence, both April Quick and Amy Herring opted to plead guilty to second-degree murder. Their plea bargains spared them from first-degree murder charges, resulting in significant jail time.
Detective (46:30): "Amy Herring and April Quick were charged with second-degree murder. They eventually pled guilty and Amy was sentenced to 15 years in prison. And April Quick was sentenced to 20 years."
Impact and Aftermath
The murder of Phil Taylor sent shockwaves through his tight-knit community, leaving family members and friends grappling with the loss. Melina Aldridge, Phil's ex-wife, mourned the loss of a man she believed was rebuilding his life for the sake of their children.
Melina Aldridge (47:10): "He was remembered as a family man. He was hard working and caring. He would do anything for his kids. Just a good brother. Uncle."
The case serves as a poignant reminder of how personal struggles and complicated relationships can escalate into tragic outcomes. It also highlights the intricate process of criminal investigations and the pursuit of justice in the face of deception and hidden motives.
Conclusion
The Snapped: Women Who Murder episode on April Quick offers a comprehensive exploration of Phil Taylor's life, relationships, and the heartbreaking circumstances leading to his murder. Through meticulous investigation and unwavering determination, the episode unravels the layers of deceit and emotional turmoil that culminated in this tragic event, providing listeners with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in true crime cases.