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Last updated on Thursday, January 7, 2010
(BLOOMINGTON, IN) - The bond of a Bloomington woman charged with neglect resulting in the death of her 3-year-old son was reduced by a judge Tuesday.
30-year-old Jessica Merryman was originally being held on half a million dollars since her son's death.
3-year-old James Dantzler reportedly died as a result of injuries made to the child from Merryman's boyfriend, 27-year-old Christopher Bridgwaters.
Bridgewaters is currently being held in jail without bond on a charge of murder, facing life in prison without parole.
During Merryman's bond reduction hearing Tuesday morning, court-appointed defense attorney Ron Chapman argued that Merryman, who suffers from diabetes, has never been arrested before and that her bond should not be more than the standard amount, $50,000, for the Class A felony charge of neglect of a dependent resulting in death.
On Dec. 15, Merryman's request to be released so she could bury her son was denied.
Merryman's bail is now set at $50,000 surety plus $1,000 cash.
James Dantzler reportedly died from internal bleeding in his brain and abdomen, with more than 50 bruises over his chest, abdomen, under his chin and on his forehead.
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