Bonds have been increased to $5 million each for the parents charged in the fatal abuse and neglect of 8-year-old Navin Jones.
Peoria County Circuit Judge John Vespa on Thursday granted the prosecution's motion seeking the higher bonds against Stephanie Jones and Brandon Walker. Both face six counts of first-degree murder and have pleaded not guilty.
The initial bonds had been set at $1 million apiece; both parents remain in custody at the Peoria County Jail.
State's attorney Jodi Hoos sought the higher bonds because of the “brutal and heinous” nature of the allegations. Those charge enhancements could result in life sentences.
Navin Jones died March 29 after he was found unresponsive at his parents' home on Peoria's Gale Avenue.
A jury trial for Walker and Stephanie Jones is scheduled to start on July 11. While they have said they hope to hire private attorneys, both are currently represented by public defenders. Vespa has assigned Jennifer Patton as counsel for Jones and Rachelle Roth for Walker.
