JEFFERSON COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE Joshua A. Ney, County Attorney

300 Jefferson Street Telephone: (785) 863-2251 P.O. Box 351

Facsimile: (785) 863-3041 Oskaloosa, Kansas 66066 countyattorney@jfcountyks.com

PRESS RELEASE

March 13, 2019

Contact: Josh Ney, Jefferson County Attorney

Phone: (785) 863-2251

Email: countyattorney@jfcountyks.com

OSKALOOSA, KANSAS - Jefferson County Attorney Josh Ney announced today that a jury has convicted Jonathan Davis Blevins, 23, of First Degree Murder for the March 14, 2018 shooting death of Taylor Dean Sawyer.

Ney, who presented the State’s case over the three-day trial, acknowledged the quality of the multi-agency law enforcement investigation in bringing Blevins to justice.

"The professional and methodical efforts of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation ensured that the jury heard clear evidence of what happened that night," Ney said. "I especially commend Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig and Captain Kirk Vernon for their leadership in the investigation that led to this just verdict."

Taylor Sawyer, a 22 year-old man from Lawrence, was shot to death in a remote area near Perry Lake on March 14, 2018. Law enforcement learned of the shooting death within hours of the murder and initiated a multi-agency coordinated investigation.

"I’m thankful that Taylor’s family can see justice served for their son and brother today," said Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig. "This investigation brought together excellent detective work, state-of-the-art forensic testing, and expert crime scene investigation in order to discover the truth regarding Taylor’s death. This was a job well done by all involved."

The jury deliberated for just over two hours before reaching its verdict. Sentencing is set for April 18, 2019.