Bond
The wife of a cold case homicide suspect is asking the public for donations to help bail him out of jail.
I know there are a lot of strong emotions in this case. I also know that bail is not supposed to be form a punishment. Bond amounts are to ensure a person shows up for trial, and in extreme cases, to ensure public safety.
The co-defendants in this case had the property collateral needed to get out of jail before trial. This one does not.
Being arrested is not evidence of guilt. In order for the system to work, all of us must be presumed innocent until trial.
I have an opinion on whether this defendant is guilty or not, but it is only an opinion.
I also know that if I were to be charged with a heinous crime and given such a high bond amount I would not be able to pay it. I don’t own any property and I live payday to payday.
We must never become a nation where punishment is meted out before a trial…
Posted in Closer Look, Cold Cases, Court Cases, straight up opinion | 28 Comments »
Lindell, Thank you for a very nice article. I wish more people could hold off passing judgement until the trial is over. I particularly appreciated the explaination of the true meaning of “bond”, as there are probably more people than not that could not afford such a high amount. Keep up the good work, I really enjoy your work.
Comment by Rodgerfan — July 29, 2009 @ 10:43 am
Thank you Lindell, I agree with Rodgerfan it is a nice article. Thankyou rodgerfan for the support.as you see there are lot of nasty people out there, but I do believe that the truth will come out. It does not matter wat other people think I know Rodger and know he is a good man and did not do anything wrong
Comment by bgrg05 — July 29, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
What I THINK must have happened with Rodger is that he really did tell the truth when asked by LE. However, something or other IN that ‘truth’ must be ‘actionable’ even if it was not ‘criminally intended.’
An example of what I mean would be something like: A friend tells me that a gang of neighbors are going down to a certain business to ‘rough up’ the dishonest proprietor, so I go along to see what’s cooking. Well, in the process of it I somehow get ‘inside information’ and after the whole affair is ended there’s a fatality and the police are taking statements. Nobody bothers with me because I left quietly and wasn’t really known as being an important person.
Years later the story emerges again when the family of the deceased person is looking for just WHO did the killing. So, somehow or other the Police find me and I speak very frankly and tell them ALL that I know. Unfortunately, in speaking with them without benefit of a lawyer I happen to mention that I knew BEFORE IT ALL HAPPENED that a group was going along to ‘rough up’ the deceased. SO, according to the law, I was actually an ‘accomplice’ because I didn’t squeak up at the RIGHT time, but said nothing until years later.
I would have had no criminal intent whatever, but by “knowing and not telling” I let the perpetrator(s) get clean away for a number of years.
That is all just my opinion, of course, but I do wonder if Rodger kept quiet out of shock, or out of consideration for Bonnie’s feelings, or whatever else.
My opinion could be summed up that I feel Roger’s is a “technical” case, rather than a case of ‘malice aforethought and cover up.’ I would dearly love to hear what he has to say about that fateful night.
Comment by justice4all — July 29, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
bgrg05, Hi there. I know that those bonds are very pricey indeed. Is Rodger’s attorney doing anything about it all?
My heart is with the family. It was all so senseless and cruel. I noticed that it seemed that Rodger lived with Bill and Vicky, so it is very possible, IMO, that he might have still been living there after Vicky left. BUT, in that case, if he were home that night, why would Bill have to borrow a neighbor’s car? Lots here that we don’t know and I hope it all comes out satisfactorily at the trial.
Comment by justice4all — July 29, 2009 @ 6:38 pm
Hi,justice. Yes Rodger’s attourney is working. Im sure everything will come out when it is time.I would like to see this over so everyone can get on wit their lives.
Comment by bgrg05 — July 29, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
Are you kidding me?? Are not all criminals in jail innocent? Especially when their caught.. I feel sorry for the family, of the suspect, I am quite sure the Rodger they know is not the same person that planned a murder, so therefore they believe he is innocent.
We have a man who was murdered 36 years ago and is waiting for justice, does anyone
remember?
Comment by Jorjia — July 29, 2009 @ 7:24 pm
Jorjia, I do remember, and am waiting for justice. But it wouldn’t be justice if Rodger, who is ready to witness as to what he saw, is in trouble for it when he had no criminal intent at all.
We are 36 years down the line, and I am sure that everybody connected with the three ‘suspects’ has an opinion as to why each is ‘innocent.’ However, if Rodger actually saw what happened, that needs to be brought out into the light of day.
I don’t know exactly WHAT it was in Rodger’s statement that made him into an accessory, but I’ve done my best to brainstorm what it might be.
For Rodger it’s going to hinge on: Was he in on it, or just there? Just IMO, if he had been IN on it, wouldn’t he have kept quiet? Even if someone had said he WAS there, if he had denied it, would there have been evidence to support his being at the scene.
I can imagine a lot of scenarios, now that we know Rodger was at the scene, but I think it is still going to be quite a revelation when he tells his story. Of course, I expect the lawyers for George and Vicky will want to discredit all that he says.
Comment by justice4all — July 29, 2009 @ 8:58 pm
I dont believe for one minute Rodger was at the scene. What they have on him I dont know, but pray it all ends soon foe Everyone Again thanks for everything
Comment by bgrg05 — July 29, 2009 @ 10:20 pm
Hummmmmm…….sigh….Hummmmmm….sigh…. No comment.
Comment by statestreet — July 29, 2009 @ 11:27 pm
Grand Juries do not indict people for no reason. Obviously, there was enough evidence to convince the judge to pursue charges. This does not mean he is guilty or innocent. But are we to believe that bond should only be put on people that have money?? The remark that he should be out because he is not a flight risk and we should have pity because he cannot afford bond? I think a large percentage of us live from pay check to pay check and don’t own property, does that mean we can commit a crime and not have to worry about bail when we are arrested??
I understand what his wife is doing, but after only four years, she does not know this man, her marriage is based on lies that he is still telling her.
Also the statement that he is not receiving adequate health care is not worth mentioning.
Let a jury decide who we should believe.
Comment by charley — July 30, 2009 @ 10:30 am
I do not believe he’s lying and if I find out differently I will admit I was wrong.
Comment by bgrg05 — July 30, 2009 @ 11:37 am
To bgrg05…
Don’t know how long you knew Rodger before you married him, but at any time during your relationship married or not did he bother to tell you about this situation? George & vickie didn’t bother to tell there current spouses or the one’s in between. Believe me I can only imagine what shock these spouses felt.
Comment by statestreet — July 30, 2009 @ 1:18 pm
Rodger is in jail for a reason. He knew of the murder and said nothing. if he is not guilty of any thing, why did he not come forth with the information and end this years ago? to be sure he has not told all he knows. he is in jail because he was involved to some degree. it is not hard to figure that he kept quiet because of his involvement. hayden should be right there next to him.
george hayden, who was married, was well known for his chasing women while a part of the cape carteret police dept. he did this while he was supposed to be working. how do i know this? my then wife had an affair with him. his job was on the line at one point because the pd was always looking for him. he was at my former wife’s trailer, she told me after the fact about this and that he had other women he saw all at the same time. good thing my life insurance policy wasn’t in her name or i may have been murdered.
Comment by allen — July 30, 2009 @ 11:21 pm
How do you know Rodger knew of the murder allen? Where you there?
Comment by bgrg05 — July 31, 2009 @ 12:13 am
bgrg05, I beleive the statement Rodger gave did have something about being at the scene, but how he came to be there is what’s missing.
I can imagine the shock and grief you feel, and I feel for you. I just don’t think Rodger would have ‘told all’ as it were if he had been ‘in on it.’ BUT, just how he came to be there, and HOW he told the story might be part of the trouble.
One thing is certain, though, and that is how much better it would have been to have come forward 36 years ago. Of course, we weren’t there, and we don’t know why he didn’t say anything until now.
William’s family needs to know the answers, they are the ones whose loved one was killed. In the process we need to make sure that this is ‘watertight’ and that means letting the accused’s have every Constitutional right and consideration and then getting on with the trial to find out just what happened, and whose to blame.
Comment by justice4all — July 31, 2009 @ 9:09 am
So just because he’,poor he should sit in jail.. He is not a flight risk.,and cant make money to help in anyway sitting there
Comment by bgrg05 — July 31, 2009 @ 10:12 am
What happened to innocent until proven guilty ?
Comment by bgrg05 — July 31, 2009 @ 10:53 am
Allen…..I’m not shocked one bit by your personal accounts with George I wonder what your former wife thinks now that all this has came to the surface?? OMG I would be so sick if I found out I was dating a man that possibly had a hand in taking someone’s life. I really wonder how many lives this Geoge guy has put in termoil due to decisions he has made? “Sorry” your another innocent person/family that has been affected by this guys actions.
Comment by sidekick — July 31, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
bgrg05, No, not at all that because he’s poor he should sit in jail. He may well not be a flight risk, but the judge probably has some sort of guidelines about bond setting amounts.
Does Rodger not have someone who does own property who would be willing to put it up for collateral? I believe that’s one way to get a bond.
Also, I believe that if personal money is put up for a bond then the money is returned when the accused shows up for the trial, but if a bail bondsman/woman is involved they charge a certain percentage and that’s not refundable.
As Lindell pointed out, though, the bond money is just to ensure that someone shows up for court.
There is such a thing as ‘electronic monitoring’ where someone wears a little anklet that gives signals to a computer. If and when the computer is not receiving signals, LE goes out looking for the wearer
Comment by justice4all — July 31, 2009 @ 2:18 pm
justice4all, No we dont have anyone with property enough to help.That is why I have to ask for help. I really wish there were. I would not have to see that people think that they have the right to judge people the way they do.
Comment by bgrg05 — July 31, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
If we are to avoid anarchy, we must have a set of rules and limits. If there is evidence that someone has broken those rules or pushed those limits too far, there must be consequences. Maybe the real problem here is that it takes way too long to go to trial.
According to his own statement, Rodger Gill had some complicity in the events that culminated in the murder of William Miller. Whether he participated or just kept silent about what he knew, the public’s representatives – the Grand Jury – agreed that there was enough evidence to hold him over for a trial for his role in the murder. The amount of bail that is assigned is determined by the judge and is based on many other factors than just the flight risk of the accused. All of that aside, it should be up to the accused and his/her small circle of friends and family to pay the bail. Our system gives people accused of a crime free legal representation that they could not otherwise afford. I am sorry for Mrs. Gill’s financial situation. However, William Miller’s daughters were deprived not only of their father’s financial support, but they were also deprived of the love and daily communication with him for the rest of their lives.
Mrs. Gill, I hope that you find a way to make it through your tomorrows, but I don’t think making a plea in the newspaper for money is the right way. At least your husband is still here and you have the hope of having him in your home again, to grow old with you. I am sympathetic to your situation and I hope your loyalty has not been misplaced. You did nothing to deserve the pain you are going through.
Comment by djm — July 31, 2009 @ 6:34 pm
I am just curious about something, I have read several comments where people have said that maybe the only crime Rodger committed was not coming forward before now. If that is the case, then don’t you also think the fiancee, Bonnie, is just as guilty?
Comment by Rodgerfan — August 1, 2009 @ 6:11 pm
to bgrg05: rodger obviously knows something or the police believes he does or he wouldn’t be in jail. i think it is too bad that he and his family do not have the wherewithal to bail him out. i don’t believe he wanted or planned for that to happen. (the murder) but why did he not come forward at the time it happened. the police may have the total truth but we do not. if rodger is innocent then i hope he goes a free man soon.
to rodger and his family, if i sound crass and insensitive, i apologize, this must be a night mare for you all. unfortunately, he got involved with two slugs, george and his ex wife. i hope he is innocent and goes free. then you can all go home and put it behind you as best you can.
Comment by allen — August 1, 2009 @ 8:40 pm
Rodgerfan, Bonnie was in fear of her life, and also was 16 at the time. That’s a minor and there may be different rules, but I don’t think Bonnie was an actual witness to the killing.
Comment by justice4all — August 1, 2009 @ 11:16 pm
Maybe Rodger was in fear of his life or both their lives. I stll believe He had nothing to do with it.
Comment by bgrg05 — August 2, 2009 @ 10:23 am
Big difference between going along to see whats cooking and going along with a murder. If you are there and pull the trigger or not you still participate in the crime. If you fail to report what you know and are not truthful with investigators you are a part of the crime. I think bond should have been denied for all or they all should have been able to post bond They could have came up with something other than a high bond to make sure he appears in court. Hayden had to put up his house so why couldnt Rodger if he is able. If he did not pull the trigger then if I were him I would be telling what I know…Me or them??? it’s gonna be me in a situation like this.
Comment by Huck Hound — August 13, 2009 @ 6:44 am
Huck Hound. Actually, I see your point about being there, whether or not you’re the triggerperson!!!! However, I think there must be something that we don’t know that might account for the silence.
A lot might depend on just HOW he got to the scene of the crime. Guns are lightening quick, so the idea of knocking the barrel of the gun upwards to deflect the bullet might not work, especially if you’re rooted to the spot with amazement that someone is firing on a friend.
If I were in Rodger’s shoes, I’d be singing like a canary right now. In all fairness to the family I think he needs to write down every tiny detail of everything he remembers so that the family can get an accurate picture of what occurred. Also, I am wondering if Rodger’s speaking with LE without a lawyer would invalidate it for evidence? Any ideas?
This is a dreadful case. lingering agony for the family and three little girls left fatherless.
I just have a gut feeling, though, that if Rodger were ‘in’ on it he wouldn’t have spoken so freely with LE and he’d have insisted on having a lawyer present, OR, excercised his right to remain silent.
I don’t think he has any property to put up for collateral. IIRC it was the judge who wanted George’s home AND that of his son put up as collateral. The comment went something like, “If you don’t show it will be taking your grandchildren’s home right out from under them…”
Comment by justice4all — August 13, 2009 @ 4:31 pm
Although I have pulled myself out of this , Ive been reading all and following all. I see who is being the way they are about things and the ones that know better. Im learning and Im definitly dont want to put wood on the fire. Justice for all you are so true to what you say about things and many others as well. Many have been swallowed into something that is just based on these three peoples lives who have created this world wind of stories lies and deception and even death. Life is life but many things in life can be decieving and cold. Some dont know how to take to and some dont know how to deal with itt. Ive learning my ways of dealing with it and I truely hope that the Miller family gets what they deserve, the truth.
As for all the legal aspects, they need to get this case on the road and on to finding out the how william miller was murdered? Why do the accuse get to be out and not Roger…all because of collateral? If I had a dollar for every crime maker , bad decision a person made and still out on the streets, I would be rich. I couldnt understand how this all comes to this poor lady asking for help. Its so sad when all of it just comes down to one thing , the truth and nothing but the truth so help them god!!
Comment by someone close but not close anymore — August 24, 2009 @ 1:40 pm