The Baker man accused of fatally shooting LSU Basketball player Wayde Sims is seeking a reduction in his $350,000 bond. Twenty-year-old Dyteon Simpson reportedly wrote a letter to state district judge Don Johnson claiming he’s “totally remorseful”. So, could Simpson’s bond be lowered?
“It can and it certainly is something the judge will listen to, but unless there are circumstances or facts that come out that change the narrative or changes the way the judge looks at the situation, it’s unlikely that the judge will change it,” said legal analyst Franz Borghardt.
Borghardt says the personal letter may actually hurt Simpson’s case for a lower bail, because it sounds awfully close to admitting guilt.
“Sounds like he may have done an admission or confession to a crime, which will only strengthen to fortify the reasons for having him in jail and not lowering the bond,” said Borghardt.
In the hand-written letter, Simpson described himself as a father of a five-month-old who is “very productive and independent.”
Borghardt says bail is not meant to be a punitive measure, but a tool to keep a potential flight risk or public safety threat contained until the proceedings are completed.
“If they are a violent offender the judge may say, I don’t feel comfortable with this person out and about,” said Borghardt.
Simpson has pleaded not guilty. He allegedly shot by Sims near the Southern University campus in Baton Rouge last September after Sims stepped in to defend his friend in a fistfight.
