A Massachusetts man once convicted of killing his pregnant fiancée is again facing a murder charge — this time accused of beating his Boston roommate to death.
Authorities say 42-year-old Taylor Hurst was arrested Thursday and charged in the death of 52-year-old Stephen Gomes, whose body was discovered on July 6 beneath a bed at a residence on Patten Street. According to prosecutors, Gomes suffered multiple facial fractures and other severe head trauma.
Earlier that day, Hurst allegedly fled a traffic stop in Gomes’ SUV after officers approached the illegally parked vehicle. Investigators said Hurst later admitted to getting into a violent altercation with his roommate.
A Violent Past
This is not the first time Hurst has been at the center of a homicide case. In 2007, he strangled his pregnant fiancée, Katherine MacDougall, in Worcester. He was initially charged with murder, but the case took a dramatic turn when MacDougall’s grieving family pleaded for leniency.
During a 2008 court hearing, her family expressed that although the crime was “horrible and inexcusable,” they believed forgiveness was possible. They argued Hurst had been under the influence of “very powerful drugs” at the time of the killing and urged the judge to allow a reduced plea.
The court honored the family’s wishes, permitting Hurst to plead guilty to manslaughter. He was sentenced to 18–20 years in prison, ultimately serving more than 15 before his release in 2023.
Troubled Behavior Behind Bars
Even while incarcerated, Hurst continued to display troubling behavior. Prosecutors revealed he was placed on probation in 2023 for an incident involving animal cruelty, after he kicked a puppy during his imprisonment, according to Boston.com.
New Allegations in Boston
Now, less than two years after regaining his freedom, Hurst is once again accused of taking a life. Prosecutors detailed the alleged killing of Gomes at Hurst’s first court appearance on Friday, noting the brutality of the attack.
Hurst appeared remotely from a hospital bed. His defense attorney raised concerns about his medical state, telling the court she questioned her client’s “ability to appreciate” the charges against him because of an unspecified condition.
A probable cause hearing has been scheduled for September 17, according to WBTS.
If convicted, Hurst could face a return to prison — potentially for the rest of his life.
