Man Convicted of Murdering Burbank Jeweler in 1987

A career criminal who is suspected of a cross-country crime spree after escaping from an Orange County jail was convicted Tuesday of murdering a Burbank jeweler during a botched robbery attempt in 1987.

Michael Douglas Taylor, 40, who was featured three times on the “America’s Most Wanted” television program, faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced March 9, according to Los Angeles County Deputy Dist. Atty. Walt Lewis.

Lewis said Taylor is already serving a life sentence plus 15 years, imposed after he was convicted of kidnaping for robbery. The sentence on the murder conviction will have the effect of extending the date when Taylor would be eligible for parole, Lewis said. The sentence could advance his earliest parole date from 2007 to 2010 or later, he said.

A Pomona Superior Court jury deliberated for two days before finding Taylor of Chicago guilty of first-degree murder and armed robbery in connection with the shooting death of T. W. Hamilton, 50, on July 9, 1987, in his jewelry store, Creme de le Gem.

Police said that when three armed robbers entered the store, Hamilton pulled out a gun and traded shots before he was fatally wounded. The robbers left without any merchandise.

In a separate trial, a jury could not reach agreement on a verdict for Taylor’s alleged accomplices, Joe Ledezma, 29, and Thomas Estrada, 31, both of Los Angeles. The jury on Thursday announced that it was deadlocked 6 to 6, and a mistrial was declared.

Lewis said a new trial has been set for Monday.

In July, 1990, Taylor was convicted of kidnaping, robbery and auto theft in connection with events that occurred after Taylor and four other inmates escaped from the Orange County jail in November, 1988. The inmates allegedly cut a hole in a fence on the roof of the jail and then rappelled down the four-story building using a rope made of sheets.