After experiencing severe beating from a rampage in Kansas City last week, reports on Tuesday indicated that the elderly couple had died in the hospital. This incident opened the possibility of death penalty for the suspect.

George and Ann Taylor, both in their 80s, were found unconscious and seriously injured from an apparent beating inside their Woodbridge Lane home on September 2. Police found the couple after responding to reports of a shooting in the area.

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Both had been thriving in life support since they were rushed to the hospital.

They were allegedly attacked in the basement of their house by 34-year-old Brandon Howell, who fled the scene using the victims' Toyota Highlander. Authorities believe that the suspect left his victims for dead.

Ann, who had been beaten badly, was able to call 911 uttering the words 'help' and 'shotgun'.

On that day, three of their neighbors, 69-year-old Susan Choucroun, 88-year-old Lorene Hurst, and 63-year-old Darrel Hurst were shot. All three died on scene.

Prosecutors believe that the elderly couple was Howell's original target as a Washington Post article revealed that their neighbors were shot after the Taylors' had been beaten.

Prosecutors believe that the Taylors' neighbors caught Howell on the act of stealing the couple's Jaguar.

An affidavit filed at the Jackson County Circuit Court indicated that Howell shot the Hursts when they returned from a trip to the grocery store.

After several shots were fired, other neighbors looked out as one reportedly saw a Highlander similar to that of the Taylors' stop in front of Choucroun's home and shot the victim.

Authorities arrested Howell and booked him with three counts of murder and two counts of first-degree assault.

However, prosecutors are now considering pursuing capital punishment as the death of the elderly couple may lead to five homicide charges for Howell.

"Be assured that at the appropriate time, today's sad news of the Taylors' passing will be reflected in the state's case against the defendant," Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said in a statement.

TagsKansas City, Dead, elderly, couple, shooting rampage