The two Louisiana marshals charged for murdering 6-year-old boy Jeremy Mardis and injuring his father have had their bonds set at $1 million each, according to NBC News. Derrick Stafford, 32, of Mansura, and Norris Greenhouse Jr., 23, of Marksville, have been charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.
The shooting occurred when officers opened fire on the car of Chris Few, Mardis' father. Though Louisiana police say the shooting happened "at the conclusion of a pursuit," investigators are analyzing evidence to figure out exactly what caused the shooting. Police also state Few was having an argument with his girlfriend and this prompted them to arrive, according to WVCB.
Marsh was shot five times as he sat in the car, according to the Avoyelles Parish coroner's office. Mark Jeansonne, Few's attorney, asserted that his client had his hands up and was not a threat to officers, citing their body camera footage as evidence, according to the Associated Press. Though Jeansonne had not seen the video, he knew of its content due to Monday's bond hearing where it was described. Jeansonne also explained that Few's status was improving but he was not alerted that his son had died. Morris German, Few's stepfather, said that Few suffered from bullet fragments in his lungs and brain.
Greenhouse's father, District Attorney Charles A. Riddle, recused himself of prosecuting the case, calling the situation "not good for any of us."
The two charged officers were moved from a Marksville to a lockup in the central Louisiana city of Alexandria for an unknown reason.
The fact that the two officers could post bail angered some residents.
"The same day the boy is being buried," said Barbara Scott. "Shame, shame, shame."
"This child couldn't hurt a fly and his life is gone. I feel justice was not served," added Latasha Murray.
