Witness Interview: Jim Taylor

Witness Interview: Jim Taylor

The relevant portions of Jim Taylor's official interview on February 5 regarding the disappearance of Dale and Crystal Taylor follows.

N = Detective Terry Nelson
J = Jim Taylor

N: Mr. Taylor, you understand that we'd like to ask you some questions that might help us determine what happened to Dale and Crystal. You're free to leave any time.

J: Yes, sir. Anything I can do to help, I don't mind telling you I'm very worried.

N: Mr. Taylor, please state your name, birthdate and address for the record.

J: James Edward Taylor, January 9, 1950, I live at 103 Pleasant Drive near Avent Park.

N: Tell me again about the last time you saw Dale and Crystal.

J: Well, we'd got up around 2:30 a.m. on the 2nd to get the kids off to the shuttle bus. Sandy fixed a big breakfast. We ate and Sandy got Shane up about 3:00. I helped Shane load up the car while Sandy said her good-byes, she still gets emotional every time they leave no matter how much they travel. I'd say they left the house at about 3:10 or 3:15.

N: Do you recall what Dale and Crystal were wearing?

J: Let's see, Sandy's better at that than I am. They both had on jeans and Crystal wore her skating jacket, Dale had on his dark blue jacket. Tennis shoes. Oh, and Crystal had her fanny pack. She likes that better than carrying a purse.

N: You said your wife was emotional over the Dale and Crystal leaving, how did Crystal and Dale act that morning?

J: Oh, they were excited. I know Crystal was really looking forward to going to Broadmoor. Dale doesn't get as excited but he was looking forward to the trip. They're used to Sandy not wanting them to leave, so that didn't bother them I don't think.

N: They were both in a positive frame of mind then?

J: Oh yes.

N: Were there any disagreements that morning?

J: No, nothing like that.

N: What was Shane's mood that morning?

J: Well, he was groggy from just getting up, but I'd say it was fine. He grumbled a little about how we make such a fuss over Dale and Crystal, he doesn't think we give him as much support as we do the other two. It isn't like that, but it seems that way to Shane. That's normal for him though.

N: Is he envious or resentful of Dale and Crystal's success would you say?

J: Maybe envious but I don't think he resents them. He loves his brother and sister even if he grumbles sometimes.

N: Mr. Taylor, have either Dale or Crystal ever run away or expressed any feelings to you about getting away for a bit? I'd think with all the hard work they'd want a break now and then.

J: No. They've never runaway. They are dedicated kids. Missing out on the Olympics this year was a blow to them, but then they've only been skating at the championship level for a few seasons, they're young, they are strong contenders for the 2002 Olympics I know that. They spent some time talking about whether they should continue to train and compete or maybe cut back and focus on college instead. They worked through that and decided to go for the next Olympics. That's one reason they were going to this training camp in Colorado, a chance to work with some great coaches, add some polish for the upcoming World Championships and US Adult Nationals in March and April. I've never heard either of them talk about just wanting to get away from it all.

N: I know this is a hard question, Mr. Taylor, would either Dale or Crystal consider suicide? Any signs of depression?

J: No, never. I can't see that. Sure they went through a few months of major disappointment, but I wouldn't call any of it real depression. They were both up and ready to train hard and go for it. Very positive.

N: Do Dale or Crystal have any enemies? Any other skaters maybe that might want to get them out of competition?

J: Not anyone I can think of. Dale and Crystal are well liked by other skaters and coaches alike. In this sport there are often disagreements on training and skaters switch coaches, sometimes with bad blood, but not Dale and Crystal. They've had great support and good people working with them.

N: What about friends here in Oxford? Did they spend time with their friends while they were at home?

J: Not too much I don't think. You'll have to ask Sandy about that, too. I think Dale might have visited his friend Christian once or twice, but I'm not sure about Crystal.

N: I'm going to ask you and Mrs. Taylor to sit down and make a list of all the people you can think of that Dale and Crystal might have had contact with. We'll want to talk with them, too.

J: We can do that.

N: Did either of them get any phone calls or any letters that stand out in your mind?

J: No, nothing but calls and mail planning this trip to Colorado and sending in registrations for the upcoming tournaments I don't think.

N: Mr. Taylor, I'm aware of your son Shane's participation in the diversion program, how's he doing?

J: I think he's doing pretty well. He has a CD he's worked very hard on coming out and he seems to be more focused than I've seen him in a long time.

N: I know this is a hard question for you, but is there any chance that Shane might have something to do with Dale and Crystal's disappearance?

Y: No. I think I see what you're asking, but no. Shane grumbles but he's a good kid and he loves Dale and Crystal.

N: Do you have any ideas on what might have happened to Dale and Crystal at all?

J: No. I've been thinking about it all day and I can't think of anything that makes sense. I think something has happened to them and I just hope we can find them fast and they'll be alive and okay.

N: Thank you Mr. Taylor. If you think of anything at all, get any calls remember something, call us and let us know.

J: I sure will.