David Taylor, a 64-year-old double murderer from County Durham, has been sentenced to a whole life order, ensuring he will never be released from prison. The sentence was handed down for the murder of child killer Kyle Bevan at HMP Wakefield, a crime committed while Taylor was already serving a life sentence for the murder of Alisha Apostoloff-Boyarin and the attempted murder of a police detective.
The Murder of Alisha Apostoloff-Boyarin
Alisha Apostoloff-Boyarin, a vulnerable woman in a relationship with Taylor, was reported missing on February 2, 2022, after her grandmother had not heard from her for weeks. Investigations revealed she had traveled with Taylor in his Volkswagen Passat between Manchester, Durham, and a campsite in Chapel-en-le-frith, Derbyshire. Police believe she was murdered during this period, and her body has never been found. Taylor was arrested in March 2022 and initially denied the murder but pleaded guilty in February 2026.
Attack on Detective
In July 2024, while in custody at HMP Frankland, Taylor requested an interview with two Greater Manchester Police officers, claiming he had information about Alisha's remains. During a break, he lunged at them with a makeshift shank, stabbing Detective Constable Bratby in the chest, narrowly missing his heart. Despite the life-threatening injury, the officers subdued Taylor with the help of prison staff. Both officers have since returned to duty. In December 2025, Taylor was convicted of attempted murder and received a 30-year sentence.
Prison Cell Murder
While serving his life sentence at HMP Wakefield, Taylor, along with convicted killers Mark Fellows, 45, and Lee Newell, 57, murdered child killer Kyle Bevan in November 2025. Bevan was stabbed 25 times with at least two weapons and left to bleed out in his cell. The court heard that Taylor had boasted about making weapons and was seen on CCTV taking something from his waistband before entering Bevan's cell. After the attack, Taylor shouted to Newell, 'Nice working with you and the Iceman,' a reference to Fellows. The fatal weapon was never found.
Sentencing and Impact
At Leeds Crown Court, Mrs Justice McGowan imposed a whole life order for Bevan's murder, as it was Taylor's second murder conviction. She had previously sentenced him to life with a minimum of 20 years for Alisha's murder and 30 years for the attempted murder of the detective. Superintendent Chris Smiles of Durham Constabulary described Taylor as 'an extremely violent offender' and praised the bravery of the stabbed officer. 'Taylor is now facing the consequences of what he has done,' Smiles said. 'Our thoughts go out to all those affected by his despicable actions.'
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to search for Alisha Apostoloff-Boyarin's remains. Anyone with information is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101, quoting log 1689 of 02/02/2022, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
