Judge Denies Lower Bond For Suspected DUI Driver Who Hit, Killed 12-Year-Old

A judge Tuesday denied a request for lower bond for a man accused of hitting and killing a 12-year-old boy in Wagoner, while driving drunk.

The courtroom was filled with family and friends of Billy Lord.

Richard Roth is accused of killing the 12-year-old with his SUV earlier this month. Roth's attorney said he asked the judge to reduce the bond, because it could take a long time for the state to argue he was drinking and driving.

Billy Lord's family was tearful, but relieved after a Wagoner County judge said Roth was a danger to the community and kept his bond at half a million dollars.

"We're just hanging in there day-by-day. It's not easy, because it reminds us of Billy at home. We just miss him so much," said his grandmother, Cinda Chuculae.

Police say Roth hit Billy Lord, while the boy was riding a bike home from a youth event.

Roth's attorney says his client's bond is excessive and the results from the toxicology report could take months.

11/9/2013 Related Story: Wagoner Community In Shock After Boy On Bike Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver

"I always hate to see one of my court appointed clients have to spend a long time in jail just waiting on blood results, and that's exactly what's going to happen on this case," attorney Grant Huskey said.

Huskey said a lower bond would give Roth the opportunity to get out of jail, provide for his family and hire a lawyer.

Lord's grandmother says she's relieved the judge kept the bond set. Tuesday's court hearing was a reminder of the boy they love and miss so much.

"I'm just relieved. I'm mad--if he had got out, got to spend Thanksgiving with his family, we wouldn't have been able to spend time with Billy. That wouldn't have been fair," Chuculae said.

Roth is also charged with leaving the scene of an accident. He has another court hearing in December.