Foster father, convicted of voluntary manslaughter, to be sentenced in December

A Morristown foster father, convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the choking death of his 16-year-old foster son, has had his sentence date continued to December.

Ken Taylor was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and reckless aggravated assault in the death of 16-year-old Jordan Kaleb Shelton.

In that verdict, the jury found Taylor was not guilty of first degree murder and aggravated child abuse.

Taylor's case was moved from Hamblen County to Hawkins County for trial, due to intense public interest. Sentencing will also take place in Hawkins County, on December 17 in Rogersville, according to defense attorney Herb Moncier.

Taylor's sentencing was delayed because a witness, called to testify by the prosecution, was on his way to Michigan for the Thanksgiving holiday. That witness testified on behalf of Taylor's defense--he is the minister of the church Taylor attends.

Moncier contended his client was trying to defend himself against a teen who suddenly became violent, and that when Taylor realized Shelton had been injured, he immediately called 911 and started CPR.

On the stand, Taylor said Shelton, who went by Kaleb, had suddenly attacked him wildly. Taylor said he put the teen in a headlock only to restrain him, and told him he'd let go if he stopped attacking him--but Shelton went limp.

He never regained consciousness.

The sentencing range for voluntary manslaughter is typically 4-6 years of incarceration; the sentening range for reckless aggravated assault is 2-4. Moncier said when his client was found guilty that it was possible his client would receive probation instead.

Taylor remains free until his sentencing in December.

Moncier has filed a motion to reduce the jury's verdict, claiming the definitions of voluntary manslaughter and reckless aggravated assault contradict.