Judge Considering Bond Request for Stephen McDaniel

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A judge is considering setting bond for Stephen McDaniel today, because the District Attorney’s Office did not indict Stephen McDaniel within 90 days of arresting him. Before setting bond the judge wanted to know if Stephen McDaniel is a danger to himself and said his attorneys presented no evidence to suggest that he isn’t.

McDaniel’s attorney says that jail is the most dangerous place for him, and he is not a danger to himself and has never been suicidal.  He went on to say that he is mentally alert.

McDaniel is accused of murdering and dismembering Lauren Giddings in June 2011.  Giddings was his neighbor and classmate at Mercer University’s law school.

Earlier, McDaniel pleaded not guilty.  His legal team told the judge $100,000 bond would be reasonable.

Bibb County District Attorney Greg Winters laid out the evidence against Stephen McDaniel, including noting that cadaver dogs alerted on McDaniel’s apartment and his odd behavior as police were questioning him and gathering evidence.  Winters told the judge that if bond must be granted, to set it at $2.5 million and include several conditions, such as wearing a tracking bracelet on his ankle, be confined to his parent’s home, and only travel for court and to meet with his legal team.

Judge Phillip Brown plans to set bond in the next few says. At Tuesday’s hearing Judge Brown also ordered the DA’s office to hand over evidence they have compiled in the case to the defense by April 20th.