Shivangi Sinha
When Taylor Wright disappeared in September 2017 from Pensacola, Florida, she had been in the process of moving in with her new girlfriend, Casandra Waller. It was the latter who reported her missing, finding it unusual that Taylor had only sent a text saying she needed space. Authorities initially considered Casandra a person of interest and questioned her extensively. In NBC’s ‘Dateline: The Necklace,’ she opened up about being under suspicion, the heartbreak of losing her partner, and the sense of relief she felt when justice was finally served.
Casandra Waller’s Statement Pointed the Police Towards Ashley McArthur
Casandra Waller met Taylor Wright while the latter was in the midst of divorcing her then-husband, Jeff Wright. At the time, Taylor was seeking a fresh start and had just begun exploring relationships with women. Casandra, a high school administrator in Escambia County, Florida, was hopeful about this new chapter. However, not all moments in their relationship were smooth. Early on, Casandra discovered that Taylor had been using drugs and had allegedly been unfaithful. Despite these challenges, the couple chose to confront their issues together and ultimately decided to reconcile and continue their relationship.
Taylor moving in with Casandra marked a significant step forward in their relationship and an effort to work through past issues. However, during this transition, on September 8, 2017, Taylor left home, saying she was going to run errands and never returned. Casandra later shared that Taylor had gone out with her close friend Ashley McArthur and had sent a text saying she needed some space due to the stress of the divorce and the move. This message seemed out of character to Casandra, who said her girlfriend had seemed completely normal when she left. As her partner, she was thoroughly investigated by police but was ultimately cleared as a suspect.
It was Casandra who informed the police that Taylor had gone to meet Ashley, which prompted investigators to focus on the latter. After Ashley was arrested and charged with Taylor’s murder, Casandra testified during the trial. The prosecution called her to the stand to dispel any doubts the jury might have had about other possible suspects with motives. She gave an emotional testimony about the pain of losing Taylor and the heartbreak that followed. She also asked the court to deliver the harshest possible sentence for the crime.
Casandra Waller is Working for the Escambia School District Even Today
Casandra Waller, who now goes by the name Casandra Waller Manis, continues to reside in Pensacola, Florida. A long-time educator and administrator, she has been with the Escambia County Public School District since November 2004. She started her career as a teacher and served in that role for nearly a decade until July 2014. From 2014 to 2016, she worked as a District Department TSA (Teacher Support Administrator). Subsequently, she became the District Specialist for Physical Education, Health, Wellness, and Driver Education, a position she held until July 2022.
Currently, Casandra serves as the McKinney-Vento Liaison within the district’s Title One Office. This role is focused on supporting students experiencing homelessness or housing instability. As a liaison, she works to ensure these students have consistent access to education, advocating for their rights under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Her responsibilities include identifying eligible students, coordinating transportation, removing educational barriers, and working with schools, families, and community partners to provide the necessary support.
Beyond her professional duties, she has taken an active role in the school district and community. She has served on several committees, including the Escambia County Public Schools Health and Wellness Advisory Council. She has taken on leadership roles such as school committee chair and community partner liaison. She has also volunteered with organizations such as SHAPE Florida and Escambia. While she maintains a public presence through her educational work, Casandra is otherwise private about her personal life. However, she is known to enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly hiking and exploring nature. Despite the heartbreak she faced years ago, she remains committed to supporting youth and wellness in her community through her ongoing work in education.
Read More: Taylor Wright Murder Details and Investigation Timeline
