The Netflix documentary Maternal Instinct examines the many lies of convicted killer Taylor Parker, who falsified her financial history, medical records, and more—all in an effort to keep her ex-boyfriend Wade Griffin.
Parker, 33, ultimately murdered 21-year-old Reagan Simmons-Hancock and stole her unborn baby in an attempt to pass it off as her own in 2020 as part of a twisted scheme that ensnared her then-beau Griffin. The latter speaks in the new documentary, streaming Friday, June 12, about Parker’s extensive deceit and how it affected his life.
Here’s what we know about Griffin’s background and status today, and what he’s said about their relationship.
Who Is Wade Griffin?
Although Wade Griffin’s birthdate hasn’t been shared publicly, he was 27 at the time of his testimony in Parker’s 2022 murder trial—placing his current age around 30 or 31 years old.
Griffin met Parker at a rodeo in 2019 shortly after her second divorce, and the pair continued communicating via social media, according to KTAL. He worked for a roofing company in Daingerfield, Texas, at the time and also had side jobs as a welder, hog trapper, and livestock manager.
The pair began a relationship, and Parker asked Griffin for an estimate on clearing some family land she alleged was in Bryans Mill, Texas.
Griffin shared that one of the primary reasons he fell for Parker was her homemaking abilities, and added she managed their finances and often prepared meals for him after his day at work. “She was a good cook, pretty much the best I ever had. So I was excited,” he said.
But behind the facade, Parker was pulling Griffin into a series of lies and schemes.
What Did Wade Griffin Say About His Relationship with Taylor Parker?
During his 2022 court testimony, Griffin described the lengths to which Parker falsely inflated her finances. She claimed her grandmother set up an account in which she would have access to royalties from her family’s oil and gas ventures, but her mother, Shona Prior, was the executor and controlled the money. Parker eventually convinced Griffin that Prior had tried to organize a hit on her and later died by suicide after being taken into custody, which was untrue.
She alleged the false series of events gave her access to as much as $6 million. She requested Griffin’s help in trying to buy land at a property called Pecan Point. The couple made an initial offer of $3.5 million and later included adjoining land, raising the value to $20 million—but Parker never had the money to pay. She faked checks worth millions of dollars, including one worth $8 million Griffin attempted to cash at a bank. “I didn’t know what to think,” Griffin testified. “I had never received or dealt with anything that large.”
Griffin also put himself into debt after buying a new side-by-side ATV, a heavy-duty pickup truck for himself, and a Nissan Altima for his mother, Connie Griffin—all with the assumption Parker’s money would eventually come through.
More disturbingly, Parker—who previously had a tubal ligation and hysterectomy, leaving her unable to have more children—faked two separate pregnancies involving Griffin. She first claimed she was carrying twins in 2019, but was later involved in an accident she said caused the loss of the pregnancy. Then in February 2020, she claimed she was expecting again. Prosecutors later alleged Parker purchased baby clothing and materials—and even a prosthetic belly—to give the illusion she was pregnant, and she and Griffin even held a gender reveal party.
With Griffin unaware it was all a lie, he was caught completely off guard by Parker’s murderous actions later that year.
Where Was Wade Griffin During Reagan Simmons-Hancock’s Murder?
Despite attempts by multiple family members to convince him of Parker’s deceit, Griffin testified the couple planned to go to complete a hog sale at a ranch in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, on October 9, 2020, and go to a hospital in nearby Idabel to induce Parker into labor. However, she tricked him into going to the ranch on his own and claimed she would check herself into the hospital.
It turns out the sale was fake, completely orchestrated by Parker. And, Griffin would’ve broken the law by attempting to transport livestock over state lines. Still, he was convinced it was Parker’s mother—whom she had previously told him was alive after all—behind the ruse.
Instead, Parker went to New Boston, Texas, to the home of 21-year-old Reagan Simmons-Hancock, a friend for whom she took engagement and wedding photos. Parker violently attacked Simmons-Hancock and killed her, slashing her more than 100 times and using a hammer to beat her. She then cut Simmons-Hancock’s unborn baby, Braxlynn, out of her womb and attempted to steal the baby as her own.
Parker claimed to police during a traffic stop that she had just given birth, and she and the baby were taken to a hospital in Idabel. Braxlynn was pronounced dead at the hospital, and it became clear Parker couldn’t have given birth—and it was quickly confirmed she was not the baby’s biological mother. She was promptly arrested as a suspect and later charged with murder and kidnapping from the incident.
Meanwhile, police handcuffed Griffin upon his arrival at the hospital and questioned him over Parker’s actions, though he first thought he was being detained due to illegal hog transport, according to A&E. “They told me to turn around and put my hands on the wall, and I said, ‘What’s going on?’” he recalled.
Griffin was never charged with any crimes pertaining to Simmons-Hancock’s killing. Parker, meanwhile, was convicted of capital murder in 2022 and sentenced to death.
Where Is Wade Griffin Now?
Little is publicly known about Griffin’s life today. During his 2022 court testimony, he confirmed he lost his job following his involvement with Parker.
“Pretty much ruined my whole reputation. Slandered my name, my brothers, my mom,” he said. “Worst thing I’ve ever had to live through, for sure.”
Just days after Parker’s conviction, Homer Hancock, the widower of Reagan Simmons-Hancock, filed a negligence and wrongful death lawsuit against Parker and Griffin. The civil suit alleged Griffin was negligent for allowing Parker to use a vehicle registered to himself during the time of Reagan’s murder, according to WJTV. The document states Griffin “knew, or through the exercise of reasonable care should have known, that Defendant Parker was a reckless and incompetent driver prior to permitting her to operate his vehicle.”
A potential outcome from the suit hasn’t been shared publicly. It’s expected Maternal Instinct will uncover additional details about Griffin’s relationship with Parker and his life today.
Watch Maternal Instinct on Netflix Starting June 12
Although Netflix hasn’t explicitly confirmed his involvement, Griffin is seen speaking in both present-day and archival materials during the trailer for Maternal Instinct—hinting at a new interview and highlighted role in the project.
Maternal Instinct is directed by Jessica Dimmock and begins streaming Friday, June 12.
Tyler Piccotti joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor and is now the News and Culture Editor. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor for a daily newspaper recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors. In his current role, he shares the true stories behind your favorite movies and TV shows and profiles rising musicians, actors, and athletes. When he's not working, you can find him at the nearest amusement park or movie theater and cheering on his favorite teams.
