Memphis Jewish School shooting suspect’s bond lowered based on ‘mental health’

Mike Suriani
·2 min read
1

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The suspect in a shooting at a Memphis Jewish school was released on bond Tuesday.

Joel Bowman was charged with numerous felonies, including attempted second-degree murder after he allegedly entered Margolin Hebrew Academy last July after firing several shots outside the school.

Suspect in Memphis Jewish school shooting posts bond

Bowman’s bond, initially set at $1 million, was reduced to $200,000 Tuesday, and Bowman walked out of jail. On Wednesday, his attorney explained why.

“At the conclusion of the first bond hearing the judge, in his ruling, indicated that if additional information became available regarding Mr. Bowman’s mental health, that he would reconsider the bond amount,” said Lauren Fuchs, Bowman’s attorney. “In between the first bond hearing and the second bond hearing we were able to gather additional information for the court’s consideration regarding Mr. Bowman’s mental health situation and his history. Based on that information, the court reduced the bond to $200,000.”

Bowman’s release on bond comes with several layers of restrictions.

  • GPS monitoring

  • Three check-ins per day

  • Must be accompanied by his mother

  • Travel restrictions

  • Prohibited from being around or possessing any firearms

The office of Shelby County D.A. Steve Mulroy issued a statement on Wednesday regarding his release.

“Our prosecutor presented firm objections to the bond reduction during Bowman’s court appearance. We will continue to move forward with our prosecution of this case.”

WREG knocked at the door of a house in Haywood County given as the address for Bowman and his mother, but no one answered.

Memphis Jewish school shooting suspect ID’d as former student

Bowman’s attorney says she is confident her 33-year-old client will comply with his bond restrictions.

“His entire history indicates a compliance with the law except for this isolated event that there is a very valid mental health explanation for,” said Fuchs.

Bowman is not allowed to have contact with any synagogue without prior approval.

His attorney says another court date will be set to review his mental health treatment progress with prosecutors while he is on bond.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.