Bond set at $2 million for man accused in recent double homicide

By James Walker

State District Judge Allan Garrett set bond at $2 million on Wednesday, Oct. 8, for Garrett Ballard, who is accused of killing two friends with a high-powered rifle on  Aug. 19.

Ballard, 21, has been held in the Burnet County Jail since the killings of Travis Fox and Elijah Adam Benson. His attorney asked the judge to set bond at $250,000.

"A $250,000 bond would provide reasonable assurance that (Ballard) will appear in court," said Tony Odiorne, an assistant public defender with the state's Regional Public Defender for Capital Cases agency based in Burnet.

The office represents only indigent defendants charged with a capital case where the death penalty is sought at the trial level.

Earlier, Ballard's father, Burnet County Constable (Precinct 3) Jimmy Ballard, testified he could raise enough money to post a $250,000 bond, saying he own an electrical supply store and works as an electrician in addition to his constable duties.

District Attorney Sonny McAfee asked the judge to set bail at $1 million, saying that Ballard is charged with committing a "horrible crime."

Judge Garrett ruled quickly after listening to the attorneys.

For the full story, see Friday's Highlander.