MAN USED AN AMAZON ACCOUNT TO BUY A TORCH AND CUFFS AS A PART OF THREATS TO ELIMINATE HIS EX-WIFE AND KID

On July 9, 2025, Taylor Warford, a 33-year-old Denver man, was found guilty by a Douglas County jury of felony stalking and violating a protection order, following a series of chilling actions targeting his ex-wife, Amy Goggins. The verdict, announced by the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, came after evidence revealed Warford placed a GPS tracker on Goggins’ vehicle, threatened to kill her and her child, and purchased items like handcuffs and a butane torch, escalating fears of violence. Warford, who was on probation for a prior domestic violence conviction against Goggins, now faces up to eight years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for September 12. The case, widely covered by outlets like KRDO, Denver7, and the Hilton Head Island Packet, has drawn attention to systemic issues in probation oversight and the dangers of escalating domestic abuse.

Details of the Allegations and Conviction

The case stems from Warford’s actions following his 2023 domestic violence conviction in Jefferson County, after which Goggins separated from him and relocated to Castle Rock to escape further abuse. Despite a no-contact order, Warford’s behavior intensified, according to prosecutors. Investigators discovered that he placed an electronic tracker in Goggins’ vehicle, purchased while he was under active probation supervision, allowing him to monitor her movements. Goggins alerted police after finding the GPS device hidden in her car, a discovery that prompted a deeper investigation.

Prosecutors presented evidence that Warford’s threats escalated to a deadly level. His own family contacted authorities after discovering he had purchased five sets of handcuffs and a butane torch through a shared Amazon account, reportedly telling them he planned to “wipe out” Goggins and her child. Denver7 reported that these purchases raised alarms, with authorities also investigating claims that Warford attempted to acquire bomb-making materials, though no charges related to this have been filed as of July 11, 2025. The jury rejected Warford’s defense, which District Attorney George Brauchler described as a “faux-mental health defense,” convicting him of felony stalking and violating the protection order.

Warford is currently held without bond at the Douglas County Detention Facility, facing a potential eight-year sentence. Senior Deputy DA Nate Marsh praised Goggins’ bravery, stating, “This verdict sends a message loud and clear that stalking is a crime of escalation and danger.” The case has been hailed as a step toward accountability, though it underscores ongoing challenges in protecting victims of domestic violence.

Warford’s Prior Domestic Violence and Probation Failures

Warford’s 2023 domestic violence conviction in Jefferson County set the stage for the current case. After Goggins left him and moved to Castle Rock, the no-contact order was intended to ensure her safety. However, KRDO reported that Warford’s actions while on probation exposed significant gaps in oversight. District Attorney Brauchler criticized the system, stating, “This case highlights a number of weaknesses in our criminal justice system, including the risk created for the public by placing violence-threatening defendants on probation and sending them back into our community.” The fact that Warford was able to purchase a tracker and make explicit threats while under supervision has sparked calls for stricter probation protocols.

Goggins’ relocation to Castle Rock was a deliberate attempt to rebuild her life, but Warford’s persistent stalking—enabled by technology like the GPS tracker—demonstrated the challenges victims face in escaping abusers. The involvement of Warford’s family, who reported his purchases and threats, was critical in alerting authorities, highlighting the role of community vigilance in such cases.

Public and Media Reaction

The conviction has generated significant attention, with media outlets emphasizing the severity of Warford’s actions. Hilton Head Island Packet and Miami Herald detailed the escalation of his behavior, noting the chilling intent behind his purchases and threats. On X, posts from users like @DocumentTingz and @TrueCrimeDaily on July 10 amplified the story, with some praising Goggins’ courage and others expressing outrage at Warford’s ability to act while on probation. One user, @JusticeForVictims, wrote, “How does someone on probation for DV get away with this for so long? System failed Amy Goggins.”

Public sentiment has largely supported the verdict, though some X users questioned the lack of charges related to the alleged bomb-making materials, with @CrimeWatchCO asking, “What’s the holdup on the bomb investigation?” Media coverage has also drawn parallels to other high-profile stalking cases, with Yahoo News framing Warford’s actions as part of a broader pattern of domestic violence escalation.

Broader Implications

The Warford case highlights critical issues in addressing domestic violence and stalking. The use of GPS trackers, easily accessible online, underscores the growing role of technology in enabling abuse, as noted by KDVR. Brauchler’s critique of probation systems reflects a broader concern about inadequate monitoring of offenders with violent histories, a point echoed by advocates who argue for stricter enforcement of protection orders.

Goggins’ experience also highlights the courage required for victims to come forward, especially in cases involving repeated violations of legal protections. Senior Deputy DA Marsh emphasized that the conviction ensures Warford “will no longer be able to harm her,” but the case raises questions about how to prevent similar escalations. The ongoing investigation into Warford’s alleged attempts to acquire bomb-making materials, reported by KKTV, suggests that further charges could emerge, potentially increasing his sentence.

Conclusion

Taylor Warford’s conviction on July 9, 2025, for felony stalking and violating a protection order marks a significant step toward justice for Amy Goggins, who endured threats and tracking after escaping an abusive marriage. The case, driven by Warford’s chilling actions—placing a GPS tracker, purchasing handcuffs and a butane torch, and threatening to “wipe out” Goggins and her child—exposes the dangers of unchecked domestic violence and systemic failures in probation oversight. As Warford awaits sentencing on September 12, facing up to eight years in prison, the case serves as a stark reminder of the need for stronger protections for victims and more robust monitoring of offenders. Goggins’ bravery and the jury’s verdict send a powerful message, but the broader fight against stalking and domestic abuse remains an urgent challenge.