Hofer's Bond Reduced

Bond has been reduced for Effingham resident Melly Hofer, charged in the crash December 5 that resulted in the death of a Watson teenager.  

Judge Marc Kelly did not reduce the bond as much as the defense requested, but did cut the bond in half, from $200,000 to $100,000.  Defense attorney Ed Deters asked that the bond be reduced to $10,000, the amount the family said they could raise.

Judge Kelly took Hofer's financial situation into account, but said he could not reduce the bond further or it would minimize the severity of the crime with which Hofer is charged.

The 35-year-old Hofer is charged with aggravated DUI drugs causing a death, and reckless homicide. Her vehicle crossed the centerline of US Route 45 north of Heartville and collided with a vehicle driven by Effingham High School student Brittany Baker of Watson, resulting in Baker's death.  Test results from the Illinois State Police Crime Lab found the presence of three different drugs in Hofer's system at the time of the crash.

Judge Kelly set Hofer's trial date for June 2.  She's next due in court March 26 for a pre-trial hearing. She is being held in Effingham County Jail.