*** MEDIA ADVISORY***November 2, 2011SECOND TRIAL SAME RESULT – TAYLOR CONVICTED OF MURDERMedia Contact:  Curtis T. Hill, Jr. - 296-1888* * *A jury took less than two (2) hours to convict Kevin Taylor, 55, of Felony Murder in the Elkhart Circuit Court last Wednesday, October 26.  Taylor, Stacy Orue and Kelly Scott Thomas were originally convicted in a combined jury trial in 2005 for the May 19, 2003 home invasion robbery and murder of Gwendolyn Hunt at 325 Harrison Street, Elkhart.  Thomas’ and Taylor’s convictions were overturned on appeal for a faulty jury instruction.  Thomas was convicted in a retrial in 2007 and was sentenced to sixty-five (65) years imprisonment.Jurors heard compelling testimony from former drug addicts and prostitutes who witnessed the events before, during and after the murder.  In the early evening hours of May 19, 2003, Orue, Thomas and Taylor forced their way into Hunt’s home.  Once inside, Taylor held Gwen while Thomas ransacked the home, looking for drugs and money.  During the robbery, Hunt was shot in the back of the head.  Forensic analysis performed at the autopsy revealed that Hunt was shot at near point-blank range.  One witness observed Taylor, Orue and Thomas running from Hunt’s apartment to Taylor’s truck.  Witnesses also observed Taylor and Thomas counting money and drugs shortly after the murder at a nearby flop house.The jurors, who prior to the trial anticipated hearing from a cast of characters, were reminded by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Don Pitzer in closing arguments that they heard from a “cast with character.”  One witness testified less than 4 hours after receiving chemo-therapy, and had to pause during testimony as nausea overcame her.  Another witness, who was also diagnosed with cancer, came from West Virginia to testify.  Jurors were less than convinced by Taylor’s own proclamation of innocence, made after the verdict was read.Taylor is scheduled to be sentenced in the Elkhart Circuit Court on Thursday, November 17 at 8:30 am.  Taylor faces up to 65 years of incarceration.                                                *  *  *“Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”