The air was thick with silence as family and friends of the victim and the accused awaited the charges to be filed and Judge Timothy Brauer’s decision on bail in the case of the State of Oklahoma vs. Justin Tillman.

According to the District Attorney’s office, Tillman was driving a 1998 Dodge Pickup on a rural county road while under the influence of an intoxicating substance when he struck a pedestrian -- Bryson Braziel, 20, of Alex who the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said died at the scene. After the incident, reports indicated that Tillman fled,

According to testimony provided by Tillman’s uncle the two involved were “like brothers, best friends.”

The State filed two felony charges against Tillman -- First Degree Manslaughter and t Leaving the Scene of a Fatality Accident.

“Given the seriousness of the crime and the fact that the defendant fled the scene of a fatality, the state asks that the bail be set at $250,000,” said Assistant District Attorney Leah Edwards.

Tillman’s attorney, Ryland Rivas said after calling Tillman’s mother, employer, landlord, and uncle to the stand, “As you can see from the testimony, he is not a flight risk, he’s from Alex, he just graduated from Alex High Sschool, he is employed in Alex, and his family will help make sure he will do the right thing and come to court. Just as he will do the right thing anyway.”

“He will also turn over his driver’s license and passport,” added Rivas.

After explaining how the Constitution, as well as other case law, allows a defendant the right to bond out of jail, Judge Brauer said, “Statutes also state, that in a situation were a possible sentence of a life term, bond can be denied. However, the State is not asking for that.”

Brauer continued saying, “With all of this in mind, bail will be set at $175,000 with a few stipulations. The defendant must retain council and contact with said council, turn over drivers license and passport, no more alcohol or drugs, and no unwanted contact with the victims family.”

Tillman’s Preliminary hearing is set for September 24, 2008 at 1:30.