An Athens County man indicted for felony murder posted $200,000 bond Thursday and walked out of the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail that same afternoon.
Matthew Culbertson, 26, of 4131 Rhoric Road, accidentally shot Jerri L. Vernon, 22, in the abdomen Feb. 20 while he was drinking, prosecutors say. Vernon later died at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital.
Culbertson spent less than a week in jail.
Lloyd Culbertson posted $200,000 bond Thursday and the check was deposited Friday, according to court documents.
Assistant Prosecutor Keller Blackburn said he believes Lloyd Culbertson is Matthew Culbertson's father.
A grand jury indicted Matthew Culbertson for felony murder, one misdemeanor count of having a weapon while intoxicated, one count of felony reckless homicide, two counts of felony involuntary manslaughter and four counts of felony assault Feb. 22.
He could spend a maximum of 38 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
Blackburn said he previously pushed for a $400,000 bond to ensure that Matthew Culbertson would make his court date.
When asked if he is worried if Culbertson would appear, Blackburn said,
(Culbertson) has 200
000 reasons to.
Matthew Culbertson is scheduled to appear before Judge William Grim for a preliminary hearing today. 1
News
Brigitta Burks
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