JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After being held in jail for several months with no bond, a suspect who police said took part in a random killing went to court Tuesday to try again to win his release.
Prosecutors said Dean Parker and another man were firing an assault rifle in a Mandarin neighborhood on Hood Landing Road.
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They said one of the bullets from the gun hit Eric Schnoor in the head, killing the 42-year-old father.
Parker went to court asking for some leniency from the judge.
Parker is one of two men accused in the death of Schnoor, who was gunned down while picking up books in his car in the middle of a quiet Mandarin neighborhood.
Police said Parker admitted he and Joshua Charles were joyriding, shooting at signs and cars with an assault rifle.
As the victim's family looked on, the state pressed that point.
"In the interview, this defendant admits to driving the vehicle on Hood Landing, Josh Charles pushing the gun over to him and says, 'Hey man, shoot,' and he does. He does on the same road where Eric Schnoor is killed," prosecutor London Hairston said.
The prosecution said if a bond is issued for Parker, it should be high. As part of it's case, the state called the victim's wife to talk about the impact on her family.
"Honestly, I think it would scare the kids. My neighbors are concerned," said Schnoor's wife.
However, the defense argued that it was Charles, not Parker, who fired the fatal shot. The defense also called witnesses, including Parker's grandmother, who he's lived with most of his life, and his father.
After a lengthy hearing, the judge said there is probable cause that Parker committed felonies but not necessarily murder. A bond of $15,000 was set.
Schnoor's wife and family left without comment, but the defense said the decision was fair.
"The man is presumed innocent. I think we all know right now as a matter of law by what the state has presented it's not murder," said defense attorney Tom Fallows.
As part of his restrictions, Parker is not allowed within five miles of the Schnoor residence in Mandarin. He will also have to wear a GPS monitoring devise.
The other man charged in Schnoor's shooting death remains in jail with no bond.