MANHATTAN – As the investigation progressed into a homicide in Manhattan, it became apparent to police investigators that there was not sufficient evidence to support the charge of aiding 2nd degree murder against Levertis Lee Horne.

After consulting with the Riley County Attorney’s Office the decision was made to not pursue charges against him. He has been released from custody.

But, 24-year-old Justin Charles Taylor is jailed on a bond of 250-thousand dollars on a charge of 2nd degree murder.

The victim, Kevin Lynn Cockrum was found August 11, on the ground unconscious in the 1000 block, north alley, of Moro St., in Manhattan. Riley County E-M-S transported him to Mercy Health Center with life-threatening head injuries. He was then flown to Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita in critical condition, but died the next day. He had been badly beaten and police suspect it was Taylor who committed the crime.

Police had been looking for a white vehicle occupied by 3-black males reportedly seen in the area around the time of the attack.