Woman accused of killing husband then setting house on fire with daughter inside, police say

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va (WDTV/Gray News) - A woman has been arrested for murdering her husband and setting the house on fire while her daughter was inside, according to police.

Nicole Taylor’s daughter was also found dead inside the home, according to Virginia State Police.

Nicole Taylor, 55, is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree arson and use or presentation of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

On Sept. 30, 2025, police responded to a home to assist with a fire.

Nicole Taylor escaped the home with significant burn injuries and was flown to a regional burn center, according to police.

Nicole Taylor’s husband, Robert Taylor III, 56, and daughter, Cynthia Taylor, 21, were found dead inside the home.

According to investigators, both Robert Taylor III and Cynthia Taylor had died before the fire. Robert Taylor III had also been shot multiple times.

Police have not provided additional information on Cynthia Taylor’s cause of death.

Nicole Taylor was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Eastern Regional Jail without bond.