Samson Shelton Released on $800,000 Bond

The former teacher accused of breaking 17-year-old Ashley Reeves' neck and leaving her for dead in a wooded area behind a baseball field was released from jail after his mother paid $80,000 cash to a bondsman after his bail was reduced from $1 million to $800,000.

Circuit Judge John Baricevic lowered the bond for Samson Shelton, 26, to $800,000 over the objections of prosecutors, but he ordered that Shelton wear an electronic monitoring device and remain under house arrest.

Shortly after the judge reduced the amount of the bond, Shelton's mother showed up with $80,000 and he was released from jail. He had been jailed since April 29 after being charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated kidnapping in connection with the attack on Reeves.

During the bail hearing, prosecutors told the judge that Ashley Reeves has not been able to speak to police since she was found in a thickly wooded area 30 hours after she disappeared. They said the teen currently has "no cognitive function."

Meanwhile, Reeves' family filed a civil suit against Shelton. In the suit Ashley's mother, Michelle Reeves, said her daughter "suffered permanently disabling brain and spinal cord injuries," sustained infections and great pain and mental anguish.

See Also:
Teacher Accused of Attacking Student Freed on Bond
Suspect in Attack on Teen is Released
Family of Choked Girl Sues Suspect

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Earlier Articles:
Grand Jury to Hear Ashley Reeves' Case
Left-for-Dead Girl Still in Serious Condition
Missing Illinois Teen Found, Teacher Faces Charges