Judge sets bond at $50K for teen charged in death of HSE football player

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — A Hamilton County teenager made his first appearance in adult court on Monday afternoon after prosecutors charged him with reckless homicide in the death of 18-year-old Mason Alexander.

Trey Williams was initially charged in juvenile court but was waived to adult court last week.

In early March, prosecutors said Williams was going at least 56 mph in a 35 mph zone when he tried to illegally pass another car and lost control. The vehicle went off the roadway, slammed into a tree and then burst into flames.

Alexander was a passenger in the car and died instantly.

Monday’s arraignment went as expected until the issue of bond came up. The prosecutor’s office and Williams’ defense attorney had already agreed to a $10,000 bond as long as Williams gave up his driving privileges while his case plays out.

“I find the circumstances of this case to be troubling,” Judge Andrew Bloch said. “I’m not sure that I necessarily concur that $10,000 is an appropriate bond for Mr. Williams.”

Judge Bloch cited public safety concerns and set Williams’ bond at $50,000 cash or surety. Under the surety option, he would only have to pay 10 percent or $5000 to a bail bondsman.

“The main issue from the state was that the defendant agreed to give up his drivers license, so when we talked about it in advance, that’s what I focused on was wanting to make sure that he did not continue to drive,” Chief Deputy Prosecutor Joshua Kocher said after the hearing.

When asked if he was OK with the judge’s decision to increase bond, Kocher said “the state is very OK with that.”

Alexander’s family agreed with the decision as well. About two dozen of Alexander’s family members packed the courtroom to get justice for Mason.

Mason’s uncle, Rahvy Murray, said he also feels for Williams’ parents, who sat across the aisle during the hearing.

“I think here is no winners in a case like this,” Murray said. “You have their child or young adult that is potentially facing prison time, but we also have Mason that received a sentence of eternity.”

Williams’ parents and attorney went out a side door and chose not to speak after Monday’s arraignment.

Williams’ jury trial is scheduled for Oct. 6.