CHARLES TOWN — West Virginia State Police announced Tuesday that a Harpers Ferry woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a house fire that occurred last year and left two members of her family dead.
Allegations and charges
According to a state police news release, Nicole Ellen Taylor was taken into custody and faces multiple felony counts, including murder in the first degree, arson in the first degree and the use or presentation of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Authorities say she was arraigned and is being held without bond at Eastern Regional Jail.
The release said Taylor is linked to an incident in which a residence in Jefferson County was found ablaze on Sept. 30, 2025. When emergency responders arrived, the home was heavily involved in fire, and two residents were discovered dead inside.
Victims identified
State police identified the deceased as Robert Hayne Taylor III, 56, and Cynthia Allison Taylor, 21, both of Harpers Ferry. The release says next of kin were notified of the deaths.
Investigators reported that the female who later was arrested was outside the home when first responders arrived and suffered significant burn injuries. She was flown by medical helicopter to a regional burn center for treatment.
Investigation details and multiagency role
Authorities say a detailed probe conducted by members of the Charles Town detachment of the West Virginia State Police, with assistance from the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, determined that the fire was intentionally set.
The release describes findings that both victims were already deceased before the blaze and that Robert Taylor had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators allege Nicole Taylor was connected both to the shooting and to the subsequent ignition of the residence.
- Incident: House fire in Jefferson County, Sept. 30, 2025
- Victims: Robert Hayne Taylor III, 56; Cynthia Allison Taylor, 21
- Suspect: Nicole Ellen Taylor, arrested and charged
- Charges: First-degree murder, first-degree arson, firearm enhancement during felony
- Detention: Remanded without bond to Eastern Regional Jail, per state police
Where the case stands
State police said the arrest followed their inquiry and that formal charges were filed by prosecutors based on investigative findings. The case will proceed through the Jefferson County court system; the news release did not include a trial date or further prosecutorial comments.
Authorities did not provide additional public details about a possible motive or timeline linking the alleged shooting and the fire beyond stating that the deaths occurred prior to the blaze. No other suspects were identified in the statement released by state police.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of fire | Sept. 30, 2025 |
| Arrest reported | Per state police press release (reported Tuesday) |
| Detention facility | Eastern Regional Jail |
Community impact and next steps
Harpers Ferry and surrounding Jefferson County residents have been monitoring developments in the case since last fall’s fatal fire. The arrest marks a key turning point for investigators and families seeking answers about the deaths of two community members.
Prosecutors will determine whether to pursue the charges as filed and set forthcoming court appearances. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation has been encouraged to contact the West Virginia State Police or Jefferson County authorities; the press release did not offer a specific tip line or investigator contact.
As the legal process moves forward, court filings and hearings will provide additional public records about evidence and the allegations that the state has brought against Nicole Taylor. WE NEWS will continue to follow the case and report updates as they become available.
