Justin Taylor was sentenced by Judge Paul Miller to 155 months on the rape charge and 59 months for the voluntary manslaughter charge to be served consecutively in Riley County Division I court Friday morning.
Victims addressed the court before sentencing. Lauren Williams,the girlfriend of Kevin Cockrum the man killed by Taylor in August of 2011, testified to the loss of Cockrum saying that Taylor killed a war hero and great man.
Taylor also faced the testimonial of Elizabeth Marie Parker. Parker is the woman Taylor raped near Kimball Avenue in June of 2010. Parker spoke about her trials and journey as she has put back the pieces of her life after being victim of rape.
Defense Attorney Larry McRell spoke on Taylor’s behalf saying the defendant was truly sorry for his crimes, and his move to waive a trial proves his intent to reduce the suffering of those he’s hurt.
Taylor himself asked to address the court, and apologized for what he had done to the victims. Taylor said someday he hopes they will forgive him for what he’s done.
