Charlotte, North Carolina – A Charlotte man accused of a triple murder, including his girlfriend and her two children, appeared in court in Mecklenburg County. Benjamin Taylor, 34, faces three counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Markayla Johnson, her four-year-old daughter Miracle, and seven-month-old son Messiah. Prosecutors allege that Taylor fled to California after the killings and was later apprehended near the Mexican border. The bodies of the victims were discovered at an apartment complex in northeast Charlotte on March 15, following their disappearance on March 3. Taylor’s criminal record dates back to 2007, with charges including breaking and entering, assault, and drug-related offenses. He is currently held without bond pending further legal proceedings. Today’s court hearing will determine if prosecutors will seek the death penalty in Taylor’s case.