Charges dropped against suspect in fatal shooting of Topeka woman

Charges have been dropped against one of the suspects in the deadly shooting of a Topeka woman.

Thirty-year-old Justin Lee McCoy was released Wednesday.  He had been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Patricia Sanders, whose body was found last May in her Topeka home.

Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay announced Thursday that new information was turned over that requires more investigation.  He noted the charges were dismissed in such a way that they could be filed again.

It’s the second time McCoy has been freed.  He and another suspect, 27-year-old Rahnel Erik Rayford, were released previously after a judge found there wasn’t probable cause to hold them.  A grand jury then indicted them.  Rayford is set to be tried next month on a murder charge.