One man is dead after being shot during a home invasion shortly after midnight on Friday morning. Riley County Police and Emergency Crews were dispatched to 1004 North 8th Street in Manhattan for a report of an apparent intruder that had been shot by the resident of the address. Earlier reports by KMAN indicated the 1000 block of North 8th Street
Upon arrival officers discovered Tyler Nelson, 21, inside the residence and with a gunshot wound to the chest. Nelson was transported by Riley County EMS to Via Christi Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. Preliminary investigation has revealed that Nelson unlawfully gained entry to the residence, and was then shot once in the chest.
The resident has been identified as Richard Smith, 62. Also present was Rachel Johnston, 39 years old, who also lives in the home. Nelson was not known to Smith or Johnston prior to this incident. Nelson’s purpose for entering this residence is unknown at this time. No charges have been filed against Smith at this time in relation to Nelson being shot. However, Smith was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia as a result of this investigation. Bond was set at $10,000. Smith has been in and out of prison for over 30 years on various burglary, theft, and drug charges including crimes committed in Riley, Pottawatomie, Saline, and Reno counties. The investigation of this incident continues to be ongoing.
