Lexington recorded its first homicide of 2025 when 27-year-old Helen Taylor was found dead inside a motel room at the Sportsman Motel on Winchester Road. Police responded around 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, to a report of unknown trouble; the Fayette County Coroner pronounced Taylor dead at the scene from a fatal gunshot wound.

Family described Taylor as someone who loved to laugh and enjoyed music. Investigators worked the case for several weeks before identifying a suspect; a warrant was issued for 35-year-old Crista Moreno on a murder charge, and Bluegrass Crime Stoppers featured her as the most wanted person of the week while authorities sought information on her whereabouts. No motive has been released.

If anyone has information about Helen Taylor, her movements in mid-January, or Crista Moreno’s whereabouts at that time, please share what you know with investigators.