Indiana Man Kills Wife After Valentine's Day Surprise Backfires

Taylor Meyer thought he had planned the perfect Valentine's Day. A Paris-themed evening, complete with a new dress, a romantic dinner, and pictures of the Eiffel Tower drawn by their children. But when his wife, Deborah Meyer, didn't react the way he expected, his romantic gesture allegedly turned into a brutal murder.

From Valentine's Surprise to Deadly Violence

Meyer, 34, told police he had gone all out for Valentine's Day, hoping to rekindle his marriage. He described a "Bringing Paris to You" themed evening, in which he and Deborah danced to their wedding song and exchanged heartfelt cards, according to WAVE. But according to him, she seemed distant and unappreciative of his efforts. "It was the hardest I've ever tried," Meyer allegedly told police, according to Law & Crime.

Tension escalated when Deborah briefly left the house after dinner. Meyer became convinced she was meeting a co-worker he suspected she was having an affair with — a belief fueled by a photo he had seen of her holding hands with another man at a casino. When she returned, he demanded to see her phone. When she refused, things turned violent.

A Brutal, Prolonged Attack

Meyer allegedly pinned his wife down and scrolled through her phone as she fought back. He then called the man he believed was her lover, telling him, "It's your ... fault. You want to ruin my marriage and tear my family apart," WDRB reported.

The fight escalated when Deborah struck Meyer with a plastic bottle. In response, he reportedly grabbed a wine bottle and repeatedly smashed it over her head. Unsure if she was dead, he allegedly went to the kitchen, retrieved a long kitchen knife and stabbed her in the chest nearly 40 times, according to WAVE.

Police say Meyer then used Deborah's phone to take a picture of her lifeless body and sent it to her suspected lover with the caption: "Your fault," according to WAVE. He also allegedly texted a family group chat of Deborah's, informing them she was dead.

The Aftermath

Police arrived at the home after a concerned friend — who had received a disturbing call from Deborah's phone — called 911. Officers say they found Meyer aggressive and uncooperative, forcing them to subdue him. Inside the house, they discovered the couple's three young children, all under 5 years old, unharmed but present during the attack, according to WDRB.

Meyer was arrested at the scene and has been charged with murder. Despite allegedly confessing, he pleaded not guilty and remains in jail without bond. His trial is scheduled for July 15, 2025.

A Deadly Obsession

Meyer's alleged actions suggest more than just a jealous husband — his fixation on proving his wife's supposed affair may have led to a gruesome and unnecessary killing. Meyer told investigators he loved his wife "beyond belief," claiming he wanted to work things out according to WDRB.

Deborah's death is another devastating example of how domestic violence can escalate into murder. This investigation is ongoing.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, visit The Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233.

References: Jeffersonville man charged with killing wife on Valentine's Day held without bond | Man Allegedly Killed Wife After Her Reaction to His Paris-Themed Valentine's Day Night: 'Hardest I’ve Ever Tried' | Indiana man charged with murdering wife on Valentine's Day remains jailed with no bond | 'She didn't give a s—': Husband 'upset' that wife didn't appreciate Paris-themed Valentine's Day dinner stabbed her 40 times, sent photo of body to her 'boyfriend' captioned 'Your fault,' police say