Defense attorneys want occupation of chicken-slaughtering kept from jury

Kim Smith

Monday, Oct. 8, 2001 | 9:33 a.m.

Attorneys for a former Las Vegas man accused of killing his girlfriend in 1991 will ask a judge on Friday to keep secret the man's former occupation for fear it would prejudice a jury.

According to court documents filed by defense attorneys Tony Sgro and Kristina Wildeveld, Danny Kay Taylor used to snap chickens' necks for a living.

Taylor was indicted on murder and robbery charges in January 2000 in connection with the death of Cheryl DeSantis. His trial is scheduled Oct. 29 before Chief District Judge Mark Gibbons.

According to police, DeSantis had been living with Taylor in Laughlin when she disappeared in April 1991. Months later her skeletal remains were found in San Bernardino County, Calif.

Taylor moved to Oklahoma shortly after DeSantis disappeared, and authorities claim he told acquaintances that he "knocked someone off in Las Vegas and buried the body."

That alleged statement led to Taylor's indictment in DeSantis' death last year.

Sgro and Wildeveld believe that prosecutors should not be allowed to tell jurors that Taylor worked at Pilgrim's Pride after DeSantis disappeared and that he snapped chicken's necks.

Although that form of chicken killing is considered to be the most humane, the defense attorneys say it could cause jurors to think their client is capable of murder.

Deputy District Attorney William Kephart said he has no intention of bringing up Taylor's former occupation because it has "no relevance" to the murder case.

DeSantis had accused Taylor of molesting her then 4-year-old daughter, and authorities believe that may also have been a motive for her murder.

Taylor is being held in the Clark County Detention Center on $500,000 bond.