Death row inmate denied federal relief in York County family murder case
Harrisburg, PA – A man sentenced to death for the brutal 1991 killings of five family members in York County has once again been denied relief, following a unanimous decision by the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
Paul Gamboa-Taylor, now 65, had sought to reopen his case by challenging a previous federal habeas ruling, claiming newly discovered evidence cast doubt on his mental state at the time of the murders. The court rejected the appeal, affirming a lower court decision and siding with arguments made by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Gamboa-Taylor pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree murder after killing his wife, mother-in-law, and three children using a hammer and knife. He received four death sentences and one life sentence for the 1991 crime spree that shocked the state.
The Office of Attorney General maintained Gamboa-Taylor was fully aware of his actions when he carried out the killings, dismissing the latest appeal as an improper effort to circumvent federal procedural rules. Deputy Attorney General William Stoycos led the team that argued the case.
Attorney General Dave Sunday said the ruling reaffirms the justice of the original convictions and sentences.
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Key Points
- Paul Gamboa-Taylor’s attempt to reopen his murder case denied by U.S. Third Circuit Court
- He is serving four death sentences and one life term for the 1991 killing of five family members
- Federal court sided with AG’s office, rejecting defense claims of new mental health evidence
