Three arrested in connection to Turkey Creek murder case are granted bond reductions

Three individuals that were arrested in connection with the Turkey Creek shooting that left one man dead had hearings on Thursday to reduce their bonds, which were originally set at $325,000.
Before Judge Gary Ortego could determine whether David Williams, Christina Williams, and Brian Granger would be granted their request, attorneys from both sides were forced to argue why they do or do not feel the suspects should be granted bond reduction.
A preliminary hearing was held before the bond hearing however. It was during this hearing that attorney Roy Richard, on behalf of David and Christina, and attorney Alex Chapman, on behalf of Granger, questioned Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigator Allen James.
Through Richard and Chapman’s questioning of James, the court learned that the only evidence of David, Christina, and Granger being at the scene of the crime was verbal and written evidence that was acquired by investigators gathering information from others who were also arrested in connection with this crime.
When it came time to plead his case as to why his client’s bond should be reduced, Chapman said, “I’m asking you, judge, to look at the lack of evidence against my client. There were eight others arrested and high bonds have been put on them until they talk. This is an unreasonable bond, and that goes against the constitution of the United States.”
It was then Richard’s turn to speak on behalf of both of his clients.
“Bail is for the purpose of ensuring someone will show up for court,” said Richard. “It’s not meant to keep someone in jail until their court date.”
Richard then went on to say, “The seriousness of the crime that my clients have been accused of is not being disputed, it’s the evidence against my clients. The weight of the evidence is hear say from others involved who could get a lower bond if they talk, and for that reason their bond is unreasonable.”
The defense attorney then mentioned the fact that other individuals that were arrested in connection with the July 1, 2016 shooting had their bonds lowered.
Richard said, “Elizabeth Auxilien had her bond lowered to $100,000, Michael Auxilien’s was lowered to $175,000, and then Richard Smith, had a warrant out for his arrest and was on the run in Oklahoma, had his bond from the beginning set at $125,000.”
Marcus Fontenot, on behalf of the State, then took his turn to argue against the bond reductions.
Fontenot said, “We know all three defendants were present at the scene, and we were also able to learn that they helped Jeremy Jorden (the supposed shooter) get out. There is more than enough evidence against the defendants.”
Following Fontenot’s statements, the judge prepared to make his decision.
After considering things such as what was heard in court, the criminal records of the defendants and where they plan to live if they are able to post bond, Judge Ortego granted David, Christina, and Granger bond reductions.
David’s bond was reduced to $150,000, Christina’s was reduced to $100,000, and Granger’s was reduced to $175,000.
On Friday, David and Christina posted bond and were released from jail, while Granger at this time still remains incarcerated.