Jeffrey Halstead of El Dorado made his appearance in court Thursday morning.

“Mr. Halstead was booked in on Tuesday on late afternoon or early evening on second degree murder on charges in relation to the death of Troy Taylor by the sheriff’s office,” said Jan Satterfield, Butler County attorney.

The sheriff’s office has since finished their investigation of the scene.

“I’ve reviewed the scene and attended the autopsy,” Satterfield told the court. “But this case is under continued investigations.

“This case will hinge on the evaluation of forensic evidence. We need those results to make a final assessment in this case. It may very well require some expert consultation.”

Among the results they are awaiting are the toxicology reports from both individuals.

“I intend to weigh those results prior to making a formal charge,” she said, adding that she anticipates that could take up to 90 days.

Although normally grand juries aren’t convened in Kansas, Satterfield is considering motioning the court to convene in grand jury to receive the evidence and determine any indictable offices.

“Sometimes in a situation where there may be an element of self-defense, it doesn’t hurt to have a grand jury make the charges decision,” Satterfield explained later. “I always want to do the right thing. The loss of a human life is valuable.”

Satterfield proceeded to make her recommendation.

“Based on my statements to the court, I am asking for the release of this individual, Mr. Halstead, at this time, pending a charging decision and final assessment of this case,” she said in court.

The one requirement is that either she or his counsel is notified of his residence if he decides to move.

Halstead’s attorney assured the court they would be in constant contact.

Judge David Ricke said based on no charges being filed and the statement by the district attorney, he ordered the release of Halstead at this time.

Satterfield said the decision to release him was not based on the handling of the case.

“I am really impressed with the investigation under the sheriff’s department,” she said.