Tulsa Judge Denies Motion To Raise Bond

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A Tulsa man accused of intentionally killing two people with his car will have the chance to get out of jail before his trial.  Monday's decision comes after prosecutors requested a hearing to revoke or strengthen the $525,000 bail for Andrew Mathis.

Mathis faces two counts of first degree murder and five counts of assault.  Members of the victim's family say they are disappointed.  And, professional bail bondsmen say they've never seen a decision like it before.

Andrew Mathis has been sitting in jail since his November 1st arrest.  But, 10 days ago, Special Judge Millie Otey agreed to set bail for his release at just over $500,000.  Despite objections from the victim's family, she refused to reverse her decision.

"It was shocking to us in the bail bonds industry," said bondsman Rusty Roberts.

Bail bondsman Rusty Roberts has been working in Tulsa for more than 13 years.  Roberts says giving Mathis the chance to go home is disturbing.

"Never in my history, have I ever seen that. On two counts of first degree murder, a bond being set for a defendant," said bondsman Rusty Roberts.

Mathis faces five more counts of assault with intent to produce death.  Brookside bar owners say they've never seen anything like it before.  Police say Mathis rammed his car into a parking lot after seeing his ex-girlfriend hanging out with other men.  Carlos Lopez and Dennis Cox died after being hit. 

Lopez's brother sat in court and listened as homicide detectives revisited the night.

"It was hard to hear about, but at the same time, we were happy to hear that it was understood my brother was there trying to help out," said David Lopez.

The judge told the courtroom that bond is not a form of punishment.  And, as a condition of bail, Mathis would have to stay with his mother under house arrest.

"I was a little disappointed, but at the same time, the judge knows what she's doing," said David Lopez.

Calls to the attorney for Andrew Mathis were not returned. 

If Mathis posts bail, he'll be required to wear an electronic monitor and a Sobrietor.  He'll be back in court for his preliminary hearing at the end of December.Related story:

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