FAULKNER COUNTY, AR -- A Faulkner County Judge goes against the prosecution's request by not increasing the bond for Barry Strickland.
Strickland is accused of striking and killing Conway Police Officer William McGary while McGary workd
a traffic scene.
More than 50 people showed up to court to support Barry Strickland and serve as character witnesses. They said despite the tragedy, he's a good person.
Strickland's attorney thanked his family and friends who packed the courtroom. They appeared to testify on his behalf but ended up not having to. Even though Strickland is out on bond, prosecutors wanted the judge to raise the bond since McGary died.
The judge ruled in the defense's favor, saying he wouldn't increase the bond since the charge didn't change. Strickland's attorney said his client is dealing with post traumatic stress and is on medication for it. The disorder, he said, comes from his time serving in war.
"It hurts. I'm sad. I know they're hurting. Both families are hurting. It's just a sad situation and I know he didn't do it intentionally. No way, knowing Barry," Debbie Widner, a family friend, said.
Strickland reports back to court for a pre-trial hearing on May 1.
