OAKLAND — The couple accused of stabbing and then trying to burn the body of a young Alameda County Sheriff’s Explorer appeared in court Tuesday to face murder and conspiracy charges.
Alameda County Judge Allan Hymer held Curtys Taylor, 24, and Laura Rodgers, 24, to answer after a preliminary hearing that lasted just about two hours. Prosecutor Brian Owens alluded to an affair as a possible motive for the killing of 21-year-old Karla Ramirez-Segoviano, who was found Nov. 3, 2016 beaten, stabbed and burned near the entrance of the Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center in Oakland.
It was revealed during the preliminary hearing that Rodgers and Taylor were in a relationship, but that Rodgers had an affair with Ramirez-Segoviano. Authorities say that Rodgers, who had been friends with the victim for four years, lured Ramirez-Segoviano to the park and then attacked her. Taylor is accused of waiting at the park with the can of gasoline that was poured on the victim’s body.
Oakland Police Sgt. Leo Sanchez testified during the hearing and said that during an interview with Rodgers, she allegedly admitted to the killing.
“I did it,” she allegedly said in the interview.
“I killed her by myself,” Rodgers allegedly said.
At one point, Rodgers allegedly wrote down “It’s not his fault” on a picture of Taylor during this interview, he said.
Taylor is accused of purchasing a gas can, matches and providing the knife to Rodgers for the alleged stabbing. The gas was used to burn the body, to try to get rid of evidence, the police sergeant testified. Taylor also allegedly admitted his involvement.
Sanchez testified that Taylor also went to Walmart to purchase bleach wipes, which he admitted to using to clean the murder weapon —a knife— and then the inside of the car.
Taylor’s defense attorney David Bryden argued that his client didn’t believe that Rodgers was actually mentally or physically capable of actually going through with the murder. He also argued that his client appeared after the stabbing itself had occurred, and asked for a lesser charge of accessory.
Prosecutor Owens argued, however, that there was motive because of an affair, and that Taylor bought gas and matches on his own volition.
Last year, Rodgers had been found not competent to stand trial. Her attorney, Darryl Stallworth, said that she had been interviewed for 16 hours off and on after the incident in 2016, where she cried uncontrollably. He said she also had some history of drug and alcohol use. Although she was found competent now, he said her mental state is going to be explored more.
“This is a very fragile lady,” he said.
About 20 supporters of Ramirez-Segoviano, including two uniformed Alameda County Sheriff’s deputies, filled the courtroom Tuesday during the preliminary hearing. Some wore shirts with her photo on them. They declined to comment.
Ramirez-Segoviano volunteered for about four years with the sheriff’s explorer program for teens and young adults and was interested in a law enforcement career. Authorities said she formerly worked with Rodgers at a fast-food restaurant.
