Story by WFLA
A state prosecutor has come to a decision on whether or not to proceed with charges against a woman who stole her estranged husband’s guns and turned them over to police.
State Attorney Brian Haas is set to announce his decision Wednesday on charges against the Irbys.
Courtney Taylor Irby, who goes by Taylor, took the law into her own hands last month when police say she removed weapons from the apartment of her estranged husband, Joseph Irby.
According to an arrest affidavit, she did it while Joseph was behind bars after being arrested for domestic aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He is accused of ramming his car into Taylor’s vehicle back on June 14 in the parking lot of the Bartow courthouse.
Just hours after his arrest, court audio recordings reveal Taylor pleaded with a judge.
“I am fearful that my husband is going to kill me,” she said. “He has threatened me multiple times. And it has been a very, very long journey for me to be heard and believed.”
The judge made it clear Mr. Irby could not have weapons. So Taylor says she broke into his home, took his guns and brought them to Lakeland police.
Taylor was arrested for theft and armed burglary. Her arrest quickly drew national attention and stirred controversy. Some question whether police made the right call arresting her.
After her arrest, State Attorney Haas had 21 days to make a decision on whether or not to pursue the charges against Taylor. He will announce his decision Wednesday at 4:15 p.m.