David Taylor, a violent North East murderer who killed a woman and later stabbed a detective, has been handed a whole life order. The 64-year-old, from Oak Avenue in County Durham, will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the murders of Alisha Apostoloff-Boyarin in 2022 and Kyle Bevan in HMP Wakefield in November 2025, as well as the attempted murder of a Greater Manchester Police detective.
The Murder of Alisha Apostoloff-Boyarin
Alisha was reported missing from Ashton-Under-Lyne on February 2, 2022. Her grandmother alerted police after not hearing from her for weeks. Investigations revealed Alisha had traveled from Manchester to Durham and back with Taylor, whom she met through a mutual friend in late 2021. On January 14, 2022, Taylor picked Alisha up in a Volkswagen Passat, and they traveled to Durham, then to a campsite in Chapel-en-le-frith, and back to Durham on January 20. They returned to the campsite a few days later. Police believe Alisha was murdered during this time. Her body has never been recovered, and Taylor was arrested on suspicion of murder in March 2022. He initially denied the murder but pleaded guilty in February 2026.
Attack on Detective
While in custody at HMP Frankland awaiting trial for Alisha's murder, Taylor requested an interview with two GMP officers on July 23, 2024, claiming he had information about Alisha's whereabouts. During a break, Taylor lunged at the officers with a makeshift shank, stabbing Detective Constable Bratby in a wound that narrowly missed his heart. Despite the injury, DC Bratby and his colleague subdued Taylor until prison officers arrived. Both officers have since returned to duty. Taylor was found guilty of attempted murder in December 2025.
Murder in Prison
In November 2025, Taylor killed Kyle Bevan at HMP Wakefield, along with two other inmates. West Yorkshire Police led the investigation into the prison murder.
Sentencing and Aftermath
At Leeds Crown Court on June 19, 2026, Taylor received a whole life order. Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Naismith of GMP said: “Our thoughts go out to Alisha’s family. We have never recovered her body, and we will continue to do our best to give her a dignified burial. Taylor lured our officers into a meeting, which was a sinister ploy to attack them. It is testament to the officer’s bravery that he survived.” Superintendent Chris Smiles of Durham Constabulary added: “Taylor is an extremely violent offender. His attack on a police officer was totally unacceptable. Officers should be able to serve without being attacked.” Police continue to appeal for information to locate Alisha’s body. Anyone with information can contact GMP at 101 or via LiveChat, quoting log 1689 of 02/02/2022, or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
