Home / Crime and Justice / Mother's Role in Daughter's Capital Murder Trial
Mother's Role in Daughter's Capital Murder Trial
2 Jul
Summary
- Shona Prior took custody of her daughter Taylor Parker's young child.
- Prior testified about her granddaughter's understanding of the crime.
- She confronted Parker during jail calls about her actions.
Shona Prior was a central figure during the trial and aftermath of her daughter Taylor Parker's conviction for capital murder. Parker was found guilty in October 2022 for the murder of her pregnant friend and the abduction of the unborn child.
Following Parker's arrest in October 2020, Prior gained custody of Parker's daughter, Emersyn. She ensured Emersyn received counseling and testified in court, revealing that the child knew her mother had caused two deaths. Prior also managed jail calls, confronting Parker about her actions.
During recorded jail calls, Prior urged Parker to face the gravity of her crimes, stating that she hadn't considered the consequences for her children. Parker was sentenced to death and is currently the youngest woman on Texas's death row. The case and Prior's involvement were recently highlighted in the June 2026 Netflix documentary 'Maternal Instinct,' which explored Parker's deception.
Prior's own past with Parker's father, Mark Morton, was also discussed during the trial, with testimony suggesting a difficult childhood and parental conflicts may have influenced Parker.
