Reagan Simmons-Hancock placed her trust in Taylor Parker, a friend, photographer, and fellow expectant mother. Unfortunately, this trust masked a cruel deception that led to Simmons-Hancock’s murder. In 2022, Parker was found guilty of capital murder for the 2020 killing of Simmons-Hancock. The tragedy included the abduction of Simmons-Hancock’s unborn daughter, who was cut from her womb and did not survive. This case is the focus of the Netflix true-crime documentary Maternal Instinct, directed by Jessica Dimmock and produced by Liz Garbus.
Dimmock described Parker’s actions as manipulative, saying, “What Taylor did is a type of cold-hearted manipulation that could make your blood run cold.” Parker deceived those around her with a fake pregnancy, gaining the trust of Simmons-Hancock by claiming they were both expecting.
The Deception
Simmons-Hancock from Arkansas met Parker through a recommendation while seeking a photographer for her wedding. They grew close, especially after Simmons-Hancock announced her second pregnancy. Parker falsely claimed to be pregnant with her third child.
Unbeknownst to many, including her boyfriend Wade Griffin, Parker had undergone a hysterectomy years earlier. To maintain the façade, she used a silicone bump, circulated fake ultrasound images, and staged medical appointments. She even hosted a gender-reveal party and prepared a nursery.
Dimmock noted, “Taylor got together with Reagan under the premise of bonding over their pregnancies.” Parker’s deceit extended to social media and involved elaborate fabrications like medical records and pregnancy updates. She used COVID-19 restrictions to explain why Griffin couldn’t attend prenatal appointments.
Uncovering the Truth
The documentary suggests that Parker’s main motive might have been to sustain her relationship with Griffin. “From where I sit, I’m not sure that having a baby was even the priority,” said Dimmock, indicating deeper issues in Parker’s behavior.
Red flags were present, but Parker’s talent for manipulation allowed her to maintain her charade. Those who knew Simmons-Hancock described her as “an exceptional mother” and “a loving wife.” She was tragically uninformed of the danger she faced from Parker.
A Tragic Outcome
On October 9, 2020, Simmons-Hancock, in her final pregnancy weeks, was found dead with over 100 sharp-force injuries. Her unborn baby, Braxlynn Sage, was forcibly removed. Simmons-Hancock’s 3-year-old child was in the home during the attack but unharmed physically.
Later that day, Parker was stopped by police for erratic driving. She falsely claimed to have given birth roadside. Medical staff quickly determined she had not given birth and did not have a uterus. DNA tests confirmed the baby was Simmons-Hancock’s child, prompting Parker’s arrest.
Simmons-Hancock’s family continues to struggle with her loss. “They have an incredibly strong faith, which I think is a part of what has helped them,” said Dimmock.
The Aftermath
Griffin expressed guilt for not recognizing signs of deceit sooner. Dimmock said, “He’s going to have to carry the trauma of being part of this for a long time.” Yet, Griffin was not responsible for any violence or deceit, stressed Dimmock.
Parker’s attorneys claimed the baby was never alive to reduce the charges. However, medical professionals testified otherwise, affirming that the infant had a heartbeat. Parker, now on Texas death row, became the face of a story where danger wore an unexpected guise.
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