Illinois Man Charged with Murder After Girlfriend Found Dead in Hotel Dumpster

Arturo F. Taylor, 54, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 50-year-old Colleen Bagley.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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An Illinois man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after his girlfriend's body was found in a hotel dumpster. Arturo F. Taylor, 54, is accused of stabbing 50-year-old Colleen Bagley multiple times following a dispute in their hotel room.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the need for greater awareness and resources to support victims. It also raises questions about hotel security and safety protocols to prevent such violent acts.

The details

Police responded to a hotel in Elk Grove Village, Illinois on February 25 after receiving a report of an unresponsive person. There, they found Colleen Bagley's body inside a dumpster. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by multiple sharp force injuries. Authorities allege that Bagley's boyfriend, Arturo F. Taylor, stabbed her multiple times following an argument in their hotel room. Security footage reportedly shows Taylor carrying a garbage bag towards the dumpsters around 2 a.m.

  • On February 25, police responded to the hotel around 4:18 a.m.
  • On February 27, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office approved a first-degree murder charge against Arturo F. Taylor.

The players

Arturo F. Taylor

A 54-year-old Illinois man who has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, Colleen Bagley.

Colleen Bagley

A 50-year-old woman from Fox Lake, Illinois who was found dead inside a hotel dumpster. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide.

Jason Ehardt

Colleen Bagley's brother, who said the loss of his sister was unexpected.

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What they’re saying

“I wish we had more time together. I'm gonna miss her.”

— Jason Ehardt, Colleen Bagley's brother (The Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

It's unclear if Arturo F. Taylor has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. The judge will decide on whether to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for greater awareness and resources to address domestic violence. It also raises questions about hotel security protocols to prevent such violent incidents from occurring on their premises.