DETROIT (WWJ) - A judge has slashed the bond of a Detroit man whose dogs attacked and killed a little girl in Southwest Detroit.
Pierre Cleveland, facing second degree murder and other charges in the death of Emma Hernandez, was initially ordered held on a $2 million bond.
However, at a probable cause conference Friday, Judge Michael Wagner reduced Cleveland's bond to $20,000 cash/surety or 10%, with conditions.
If Cleveland is released, Wagner ordered that he wear a GPS tether, have no contact with any witnesses in the case, and agree not to posses any animals.
The 9-year-old victim was riding her bike in an alley in the area of Central Ave. and Smart St. on Aug. 19 when three dogs, described as pit bulls, escaped Cleveland's backyard and attacked her, according to police.
Prosecutors allege that Cleveland, 33, knew his dogs were dangerous, yet left them loose and unsecured in the yard when he left to go shopping. An investigation, it's alleged, revealed that the fence that lined the yard was damaged and not secure, and that a garage side door that was open and led to the alley where Hernandez was attacked.
It was not immediately known if Cleveland was able to post the reduced bond, of if he remains jailed.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said it will address the issue of bond again after the preliminary examination, which was adjourned until Sept. 18.