A Hamilton County judge slashed a $450,000 bond amount to $50,000 today for former Chattanooga firefighter Marvin Nicholson, whose murder trial earlier this year ended with a hung jury.
Mr. Nicholson’s family appeared relieved after the nearly hour-long hearing in Judge Barry Steelman’s courtroom.
“God is good,” said Mr. Nicholson’s wife, Takara Nicholson.
Mr. Nicholson has been in jail for a year and a half since his arrest for allegedly kidnapping and killing a 15-year-old boy in 2006. Judge Steelman eventually set his bond at $450,000, an amount defense attorney Johnny Houston said last week was too high — especially since the first jury could not reach a verdict in the case.
Mr. Nicholson is charged with the first-degree murder, felony murder and especially aggravated kidnapping of James Citizen.
“I’m happy (the bond) was reduced,” Mr. Houston said. “I know it was a difficult decision for the judge to make.”
On condition of the reduced bond, Judge Steelman said Mr. Nicholson must live with his wife and must be home every evening by 7 p.m. He will not be allowed to drive and also cannot leave Hamilton County.
Mr. Nicholson’s new trial is set for Sept. 2.
See tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press for full coverage.
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