The Murder of Tawnee Marie Baird
For this case I watched an episode of Web of Lies. It’s season 6 episode 10, titled ‘Fatal Facade.’
A 21 year old is brutally killed in her own car.
Background
Tawnee
Tawnee Marie Baird was 21 years old at the time she died. She was described as a very friendly and outgoing person. Her parents described her as a leader, and that she had an entourage of close friends.
The Baird family lived in Holladay, a town on the outskirts of Salt Lake City. They were very close and supportive of Tawnee.
An Unlikely Pair
In June 2010, Tawnee was 17 years old. Tawnee was out driving around with a few friends, and they were all smoking weed when a police officer pulled them over. The police officer searched the car, and found a bong and weed in the car. Tawnee took the blame for her friends who were older, and she was charged with possession of a controlled substance.
Tawnee was sentenced to 90 days in a behavioral health treatment facility. She was upset at first, and her parents worried that she wouldn’t survive. However, Tawnee soon met Victoria Mendoza, and it changed her life forever.
Victoria had a troubled background, and this wasn’t her first time in a juvenile center. Victoria also found out that her mom had been diagnosed with cancer. Tawnee and Victoria became closer, and when Tawnee’s mom Dana came to visit her, Tawnee came out to her mom and wanted to introduce her to Victoria.
Tawnee was released in August 2010, and Victoria in September. Tawnee’s family welcomed Victoria with open arms, and the two seemed happy for awhile.
A Tumultuous Relationship
Tawnee and Victoria spent every moment together. They liked to spend time with Tawnee’s friends, dressing up and going out. Tawnee posted a lot of happy pictures of them on her Facebook and Instagram, however, behind closed doors they bickered a lot.
Victoria was very jealous and insecure. She was also paranoid that Tawnee was going to go back to liking guys or cheat on her. Victoria was the one who actually cheated on Tawnee, and she said it was to get back at her. Tawnee was heart broken, but Victoria made it up to her by posting an apology video to YouTube. Tawnee’s friends and family was shocked when she took Victoria back.
In June 2012, Victoria’s mom passed away, and the Baird’s let Victoria stay with them. Dana wanted Victoria and Tawnee to spend less time together, and they helped her get a job. Victoria was so excited.
The excitement didn’t last long, and Victoria ended up punching Tawnee in the face during a fight. It knocked one of Tawnee’s teeth out, but Victoria lied about what actually happened. Dana said that Victoria was very manipulative, but Tawnee forgave her and stayed in the relationship.
Victoria and Tawnee
The Murder
On October 17, 2014, Tawnee’s best friend Lacey invited them to go out with some friends. Victoria apparently became upset about something, spent time in the bathroom, and told them that she wanted to leave.
Tawnee drove Lacey home, and Lacey said she told Tawnee and Victoria she loved them and said goodbye. This was the last time she would see her best friend alive.
Soon, the Odgen, Utah police received a 911 call. The caller said that she wanted to report a murder of a girl named Tawnee. In the episode, the caller was described as an associate of Victoria’s, but in some sources it says she called her sister.
The police arrived, and found Victoria sitting in the driver’s seat. She had blood on her clothes and hands. She was also nervous and shaken. The police asked her if she had a weapon on her, and she said her knife was in the car.
Tawnee was pronounced dead at the scene. She had been stabbed 46 times, and had wounds to her hands, forearms, face, head, neck, chest and ear. After she stabbed her girlfriend, Victoria had moved Tawnee’s body to the passenger side of the car, and drove to Odgen.
Rumors spread throughout the night, and Lacey called the Baird’s at 6:30am on October 18. She asked if Tawnee was home, and that she thinks something bad happened. Dana checked, and Tawnee’s car was not there.
The Baird’s found out just a few hours later that Tawnee was dead, and that Victoria had stabbed her.
The Conviction
After the crime, Victoria was brought in for questioning. She told the police that she and Tawnee had been fighting over a man. The police were told that the relationship was very abusive, and that Tawnee had various injuries throughout the years to prove it.
At the time of her arrest, she pleaded not guilty and threatened to kill herself. Victoria eventually pleaded guilty to the murder. In court she said:
“I have no excuse for what I’ve done. That’s the main reason why I’ve pleaded guilty. I really have nothing to say. I’m the monster here.”
She was sentenced to 16 years to life in prison.
Victoria Mendoza
FINAL THOUGHTS
This case is so sad. Tawnee and her family did nothing but love Victoria, and she repaid them by taking Tawnee’s life. I think Victoria did love Tawnee, but she was very insecure and jealous, and thought that Tawnee was going to leave her. There is no excuse though for taking someone’s life. Victoria probably is a danger to society if she can snap like that, and has a history of hurting Tawnee. She deserves to be in prison for the rest of her life.
Sources
https://thecinemaholic.com/how-did-tawnee-baird-die-where-is-victoria-mendoza-now/
