BATAVIA, N.Y. -- Scott Doll, accused of murdering Joseph A. Benaquist, could be released on bail as early as today, according to District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, pending implementation of additional release conditions of the judge and fitting Doll with a GPS tracking device.
Doll must also surrender his passport and his pistol permit. He will also be prohibited from carrying guns.
"This is a unique situation," Friedman said. "It's what I call a hybrid. (In addition to bail) the judge is imposing numerous conditions on his release."
Depending on when all of the conditions of his release are met, Friedman said, Doll could be free either today or tomorrow.
Bail was set at $100,000 cash or $200,000 bond, Friedman said, and the defendent secured a bond.
His next scheduled court appearance is May 20 for pre-trial motions.
Friedman said the investigation is ongoing and there are no new developments that he can discuss.
Asked if a motive has been uncovered, Friedman said, "The nature of our obligation is to prove elements of the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Motive is not an element of the crime, and as you know, both sides have an obligation to ensure a fair trial so motive is not something I would even discuss."
Doll is the Republican candidate for mayor in Corfu and that election is being held today.
UPDATE: The Daily News has additional information from this morning's bail hearing.
UPDATE II: WBTA has audio of an interview with Friedman posted.
UPDATE III: The national media continues to pick up on the "accused killer running for mayor" angle. Here's MSNBC's short story.
So am I the only person who
So am I the only person who thinks there is something wrong with letting an accused MURDERER OUT ON BAIL?
WHERE THE HELL IS THE OUTRAGE!
Do people think Joe Benniquist just happened to be lying in a pool of blood at the same time Scott Doll was walking down the road covered with blood?
If we can't be protected in this society, if there is no real Justice we might as well make Scott Doll King of Corfu, not just Mayor.
God help us all.
I agree. How can this guy be
I agree. How can this guy be let out of jail? You can allegedly murder someone and be out on bond with a gps device? What a country. Innocent until proven guilty and he'll be home on the couch. That's amazing!
It is an outrage and a
It is an outrage and a disgrace! DNA in the van and on his clothes, after dark, COME ON PEOPLE! Yeah, yeah it's innocent until proven guilty, but once again small town mentality and big town lawyers will make this a long drawn out ordeal, while all along he should be behind bars. I can bet that if I were accused of murder my parents would let me rot!
That's exactly it, Kate.
That's exactly it, Kate. Innocent until proven guilty, regardless of the situation and how sketchy it looks.
Kate : wat source do u have
Kate : wat source do u have for DNA results?
I believe that all of the
I believe that all of the local news sources reported on the fact that he was found covered in blood, and that the van had evidence of blood. Maybe it's just a coincidence.
PEMBROKE, N.Y. — A Corfu man who was found walking along North Lake Road in Pembroke soaked in "fresh blood" will be charged with the murder of a Pembroke man who was found bludgeoned to death in the driveway of his home early this morning, Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha said.
Taking a strict legal view
Taking a strict legal view ... just because he was covered in blood doesn't mean that the blood matches DNA-wise with the blood of the victim.
Obviously, that's the logical conclusion, but until the evidence is presented, we can't assume -- nor can a jury -- that there is a match.
I have not yet read a report that states there is a DNA match.
Clearly, that would be a key piece of evidence.
But then, there was a match in the O.J. case.
Yes Howard, in all fairness I
Yes Howard, in all fairness I can see your point, but I never said that it matched. Isn't it interesting how a slight play on words can fuel debate? After all, O.J. was found innocent, right? If you give someone enough rope, they'll eventually hang themselves.