Merritt v. State

Birdsong, Judge.

Eddie Merritt has been indicted for murder and burglary. After indictment but before a commitment hearing, he moved for pretrial bail. At that hearing, several witnesses testified that Merritt was of *524good character, that they did not believe he would attempt to abscond nor intimidate witnesses. Moreover, each indicated they would be willing to assign their real estate interest as security for Merritt’s bond.

It was shown by the state that the state was asking for the death penalty and that two witnesses to be called by the state were the only eyewitnesses to the alleged crime.…