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Femtalities
The Heartbreaking Murder of Tawnee “Lady Bug” Marie Baird
A Life Cut Short by Jealousy and Rage
The brutal murder of 21-year-old Tawnee Marie Baird on the night of October 18, 2014, stunned the small town of Holladay, Utah. What started as a tumultuous romance between Tawnee and her girlfriend, Victoria Mendoza, ended in violence when Victoria brutally stabbed Tawnee in their car. The horrific crime, which took place in Ogden, Utah, left Tawnee’s family devastated and sparked discussions about the hidden dangers of domestic violence, even in same-sex relationships.
A Bright Future Cut Short
Tawnee Marie Baird was described by friends and family as vibrant, friendly, and a natural leader. Growing up in Holladay, a suburb of Salt Lake City, Tawnee had a close-knit relationship with her family and a tight group of friends. Her parents, Dana and Casey Baird, were supportive and loving, always encouraging Tawnee in her endeavors. At the time of her death, Tawnee was just 21 years old, with her whole life ahead of her.
The Beginning of the End
In 2010, when Tawnee was 17-years-old, she found herself in trouble with the law. After being pulled over by police while driving with friends, she took the blame for the group’s possession of marijuana. As a result, Tawnee was sentenced to 90 days in a behavioral healthcare facility.
It was here that Tawnee met Victoria Mendoza, a young woman with a troubled past. Victoria had already been through juvenile detention centers and was struggling emotionally with her mother’s cancer diagnosis. The two girls bonded during their time at the facility and began a relationship. Tawnee eventually came out to her mother, Dana, during one of her visits, introducing Victoria as her girlfriend.
Tawnee was released in August 2010. Victoria was released the following month. The Baird family welcomed Victoria into their lives. For a while, the couple appeared happy together, with Tawnee frequently posting photos of them on social media. But beneath the surface, their relationship was turbulent.
