Judge Declines To Lower Bond In Boy's Death

The Associated Press/January 24, 2003

Olathe, Kan. -- A judge has refused to lower a $250,000 bond for a Kansas City woman charged with helping destroy evidence connected to the death of 9-year-old Brian Edgar.

Chauntel Williams, 29, is charged in Johnson County with one count of aiding a felon.

Brian's parents, Neil Edgar Sr. and Christy Edgar, and baby sitter Chasity Boyd are charged with first-degree murder in his Dec. 30 death. The boy died of asphyxiation after being bound and gagged at bedtime, according to autopsy reports.

According to court documents, Christy Edgar took evidence, including tape, socks, a scrub brush and liquid soap, to Williams' home in Kansas City.

Williams' attorney, Ross C. Nigro, told District Judge James Franklin Davis on Thursday that Williams has eight children and is seven months pregnant.

She also has no previous criminal record, Nigro said, and if convicted, she would be eligible for probation.

Nigro also argued no one is alleging that Williams was involved in Brian's death. Davis denied the request and scheduled her next court appearance for Feb. 7.

Assistant District Attorney Patrick Carney objected to a bond reduction, saying $250,000 was appropriate "considering the circumstances."