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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
