Tulsa Judge Sets $9.1M Bail In Good Friday Shooting

A Tulsa, Okla., judge set bail at $9.16 million for two men who allegedly shot three people during a shooting rampage on Friday in the racially charged case, reports the Tulsa World .

Prosecutors charged Jake England, 19, and Alvin Watts, 33, with three counts of murder, two counts of shooting with intent to kill, and one count of possession of a firearm in commission of a felony. Two other people were wounded in shootings.

England and Watts were arrested at 1:47 a.m. Sunday, after investigators determined the gunshot victims were all within a three-mile area in north Tulsa.

While Special District Judge Bill Hiddle could have denied bail for the two suspects, he likely wanted to send a message about his concern for public safety if the suspects posted a bond, several Tulsa bail bond operators told POLICE Magazine.

"By making it $9 million, it shows the severity of the crime," said Solomon Dionicio, owner of Amigo Bail Bonds. "It would be very difficult to secure that kind of bond at that amount."

To secure a bond, England or Watts would need to come up with $910,000 for the bond fee, a non-refundable deposit. They would also likely need to provide collateral in excess of $10 million, said Ryanne Hoffmann, owner of R Bail Bonds.

Even if they could provide real property that would meet the collateral requirements, a bail bond operator wouldn't likely have the funds to cover a bond at that amount, Hoffmann said.

England and Watts are scheduled back in court on April 16 for an arraignment.

By Paul Clinton