A 40-year-old Tennessee man has been arrested after police say he attempted to dispose of a young woman’s body by dragging it down a hotel staircase, trying to place it inside his car, and then accidentally running over the remains when they would not fit into the vehicle.
Donte Taylor has been charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of 22-year-old Elysia Kinsella, according to the Chattanooga Police Department. Investigators say the circumstances surrounding Kinsella’s death remain under investigation, and an autopsy will determine her official cause and manner of death.
Woman Found Dead in Hotel Parking Lot
The investigation began shortly before 4:30 p.m. on July 8, when Chattanooga police responded to Studio 6 Suites, located in the 100 block of Patten Chapel Road, after receiving reports of a deceased person in the parking lot.
Officers arrived and discovered the body of a woman, who was later identified as Elysia Kinsella.
Authorities said Kinsella had previously been reported missing after she stopped communicating with her family. According to investigators, she was last seen alive on June 26.
Surveillance Footage Captured Suspect’s Actions
According to an arrest affidavit, investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the hotel that allegedly documented Taylor’s movements before the body was discovered.
Police say the video showed Taylor arriving at the hotel in a Ford Crown Victoria before entering one of the rooms.
A short time later, investigators allege he exited the room carrying what appeared to be a body wrapped in several blankets.
According to police, Taylor then dragged the wrapped body down a flight of stairs before taking it toward his vehicle in the parking lot.
Body Would Not Fit Inside Vehicle
Investigators allege Taylor attempted to place Kinsella’s body into the trunk of his vehicle.
However, police say the body would not fit inside the trunk.
Authorities allege Taylor then left the body lying directly behind the vehicle while attempting to leave the scene.
Police Say He Ran Over the Body Twice
According to the arrest affidavit, Taylor allegedly backed his vehicle over Kinsella’s body while reversing.
Investigators say he then shifted into drive, drove forward, ran over the body a second time, and dragged it several feet across the parking lot.
Police believe these actions further damaged the remains before Taylor attempted to flee.
Suspect Allegedly Tried to Remove Evidence
Surveillance footage reportedly continued recording Taylor after the incident.
According to investigators, the video showed him wiping what appeared to be blood from the rear bumper of his vehicle.
Police say those actions led to the charge of tampering with evidence.
Authorities arrested Taylor later that same day.
Identification Initially Difficult
According to local reports, Kinsella’s body had undergone significant decomposition by the time it was discovered.
Investigators said the condition of the remains initially made identification difficult.
Officials confirmed that a forensic autopsy will determine both how Kinsella died and whether her death resulted from homicide or another cause.
At this stage, police have not publicly announced any homicide charges related to her death.
Defendant Remains in Jail
Taylor is currently being held at the Hamilton County Jail on a $265,000 bond.
Court records indicate that he has been appointed a public defender to represent him.
Judge Raises Concerns About Possible Bond Payment
During court proceedings, prosecutors informed the court that one of Taylor’s relatives was reportedly preparing to post his bond.
The possibility of Taylor’s release prompted concern from Hamilton County Judge Larry Ables.
According to courtroom reports, the judge questioned how someone represented by a public defender could have access to enough money to post such a substantial bond.
Judge Ables reportedly said the situation raised concerns and suggested state lawmakers might also question such circumstances.
Victim’s Mother Speaks Out
Kinsella’s mother expressed anger after learning that one of Taylor’s relatives was reportedly willing to help secure his release.
Reacting to the news, she questioned why anyone would assist someone accused of treating another person’s body in such a manner.
She said she could not understand how a family member could help Taylor, knowing the allegations investigators had described.
Friends Remember Elysia Kinsella
Former coworker Ray Fowler, who worked with Kinsella at Domino’s, remembered her as an energetic and outgoing person.
He described her as someone whose laughter could easily be heard across a room and said she naturally drew people’s attention because of her lively personality.
According to Fowler, Kinsella was someone who brought joy to those around her and will be remembered by many who knew her.
Court Appearance Scheduled
Taylor is scheduled to return to court on August 11.
He currently faces charges of:
- Abuse of a corpse
- Tampering with evidence
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation into Elysia Kinsella’s death remains ongoing, and additional charges could be considered depending on the findings of the autopsy and continuing investigation.
As with all criminal cases, Donte Taylor is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
