(WKYT) – The man charged in a deadly Fourth of July weekend boat crash on Herrington Lake appeared in a Mercer Circuit courtroom Wednesday following his indictment.
Cody Casey is charged with manslaughter, assault, wanton endangerment and other charges stemming from the crash. Prosecutors allege Casey recklessly crashed his boat into another boat, causing the death of Nazar Svintolskiy and seriously injuring Nazar’s father, Aleksandr. Others aboard the pontoon boat were also injured.
Not guilty plea entered
Casey’s attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and asked the judge to consider lowering his bond, citing Casey’s lack of criminal history.
“No history of violence, weapons, domestic… not mentally ill. Not addicted,” said Brandon Marshall, Casey’s attorney.
Casey remains in the Woodford County Detention Center on $1 million bond, or $2 million if posted in the form of property.
Attorney proposes added conditions
Marshall said the defense would accept stricter stipulations if house arrest were approved.
“I would respectfully suggest, we add a couple more conditions… perhaps to reduce the security portion of the bond,” Marshall said.
Judge Whitney Z. Johns of Mercer Circuit Court said it is too early to consider bond.
“At this time due to the nature of the charges I am not inclined to make bond, without a bond hearing,” Johns said.
The judge asked Casey’s attorney to file a written notice so a special bond hearing can be scheduled at a later date. Due to the complexity and seriousness of the case, the next status hearing was not scheduled until Nov. 4.
Casey’s attorney also suggested that if Casey were granted home incarceration, he could stay with his parents for added security.