TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - — A Leon County judge has denied Katherine Magbanua's second motion for pretrial release.
Magbanua is one of three suspects facing charges for the murder of Florida State law professor, Dan Markel.
Judge Robert Wheeler submitted a three-page order Friday, saying "the proof is evident or the presumption is great as to the defendant's guilt for first-degree murder." Magbanua's lawyers filed the motion, reasoning that since her last case was declared mistrial, and the coronavirus pandemic risks her health, is grounds for a pretrial release.
The judge said "Magbanua's continued detainment at the Leon County Detention Facility poses a great danger to her health in light of the COVID-19 pandemic is irrelevant to the proof or presumption for bond consideration or pre-trial release."
Magbanua has been in jail since 2016. She will be back in court for a case management hearing December third.
