District Judge Joe McCarville denied a bond reduction for one of the suspects in the Jennifer Heckel murder.
The attorney for 48-year-old Billy Craig Jr., Don Snapp didn’t ask for the reduction in the murder case, but for two other case, possession with intent to sell meth case, and the conspiracy to commit of computer crime cases which are also pending a preliminary hearing. Snapp told the judge that he doubted his client would be able to post any bond, but wanted the amount lowered in the two cases anyway. He cited that fact that his client would be at home in Hutchinson, and has no money, so doubted he would be flight risk. He also cited his clients substantial criminal history, but stated that Craig has no person crimes, such as a battery, or murder. But, Senior Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell argued that his criminal history on top of the three serious cases he faces, he would be a flight risk.
Judge McCarville argued that in the drug case, he could be at a higher bond which is currently at 100-hundred thousand dollars, and thought the bond in the computer crime was appropriate, but hinted that had he set it, it might even be higher. He denied the request.
In one case, he along with Kylie Hartman and Kasey Pisoni are alleged to have made or attempted to make checks using a false identification and purchase a computer in furtherance of the conspiracy. Charges include conspiracy to commit a computer crime, and conspiracy to commit identity fraud.
Craig also has a drug case pending where he was allegedly involved with the possible sale of illegal narcotics and sold to a law enforcement operative.
And, Craig along with 32-year-old Christopher Logsdon are each charged with first degree murder, conspiracy to commit first degree murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and being a felon in possession of a firearm for the death of 27-year-old Jennifer Heckel on the evening of June 14th. She was found shot to death in her home at 501 Coronado in a northwest residential neighborhood of Hutchinson. Prosecutors say it appears she was a victim of mistaken identity.
His cases will move to the waiver-status docket on November 30.
the co-defendant in the murder, Christopher Logsdon is not expected to appear in court on the murder charge until November 16.
And Kylie Hartman’s case involving the alleged computer crime is scheduled for a hearing on November 16. Of course she still faces the federal gun charges as well.