Even as Pittsburg police officials announced a $1,000 reward to help identify two more suspects in the murder of a Pittsburg State University student, one of them turned himself in late Sunday night; while the other is still on the run.
On Friday, two men, aged 21 and 24, were detained on suspicion of first-degree murder of 20-year-old Taylor C. Thomas and several other felonies. The reward is offered for information leading to the arrest of the two 19-year-old suspects from Pittsburg.
Corbin Joseph Spragg, one of the two men, sought in connection with the shooting death last week, turned himself in late Sunday night. Spragg, 19, is being held in the Crawford County jail and is charged with first-degree felony murder, aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary.
Police said that the hunt is on for another 19-year-old suspect, Bryan Levi Bridges.
Besides these four suspects, investigators arrested Christianna Marie Bourbina, an 18-year-old from Pittsburg on one count of felony obstruction of a criminal Investigation. She was also taken to the Crawford County Jail on $3,000 bond.
Police officials found Thomas with life-threatening injuries on Thursday at an off-campus home - 907 N. Taylor St. The junior majoring in mechanical engineering technology was pronounced dead at Via Christi Hospital. An obituary said that the college student in southeast Kansas died after a burglary. An autopsy determined that a single gunshot wound caused his death.
"He was shot while inside the residence," said police Maj. Brent Narges. However, police officials declined to comment whether the fatal shooting occurred during a home-invasion robbery, Joplinglobe reports.
Pittsburg State University President Steve Scott released the following statement upon hearing of the death of the student.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thomas family," said Scott. "There are few things more difficult than losing someone so unexpectedly and at such a young age. I extend my deepest sympathies to Taylor's family and friends, and offer condolences on behalf of the entire Pittsburg State University community."
The 24-year-old Tyler Dornez Smith of Pittsburg was arrested Friday on suspicion of first-degree felony murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary and aggravated burglary. He is currently being held without bond at the Crawford County Jail.
Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Darius Euell Rainey is charged on suspicion of first-degree felony murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary, aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery.
Anyone having information related to this incident is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620)-231-1700. Callers may remain anonymous.
