By SUSAN SHARP

JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- A man indicted for vehicular homicide was granted a bail reduction on Monday.

Josh Hill, 30, LaFollette, was indicted earlier this year for a crash that claimed the life of 64-year-old Bill Baird in July 2023. CLICK HERE for related story.

Since the indictment in February, Hill has been jailed with a $200,000 bond.

His bond was reduced to $85,000 yesterday in criminal court.

Arguing Hill had close ties to the community and a job waiting on him, his court appointed public defender Melissa Denny requested a reduction from $200,000 to $25,000.

“He cannot make that bond,” Denny said. “His family is not a family of means.”

Countering Denny’s argument, Eighth Judicial District Assistant Attorney General Lindsey Cadle said the bond was “sufficient.”

With the proof that will be offered at trial, Cadle said $200,000 was in line with the charges.

Following the crash, the Tennessee Highway Patrol drew blood from Hill, she said.

He had 20 nannograms of Fentanyl in his system when the crash occurred, Cadle said.

Fentanyl toxicity can occur at a level of more than 34 nannogarms per milliliter, according to the Clinical Laboratory Reference guidelines.

While Denny said Hill knew of the possible pending indictment he remained in the area and asked the court to consider that in weighing a bond reduction.

“Good for him,” Cadle said noting that was what “good citizens” did.

If convicted, Hill would face mandatory jail time, Cadle said.

Eighth Judicial District Criminal Court Judge Zach Walden was faced with considering public safety and if Hill was a potential flight risk.

His lack of a criminal history was “significant,” Walden said. Also, Hill knew for seven months he could face criminal charges but did not flee.

Weighing these factors, Walden said $25,000 was not “appropriate” but did reduce the bond to $85,000.

The judge also placed restrictions on Hill should he make bond. He is not to drive a car and is to abstain from alcohol and drug use. Along with these restrictions, he is also to wear a device that would monitor his intake of alcohol and drugs.

Hill remains housed in the Campbell County Jail this morning. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 5/7/2024- 6AM)

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