Judge: Disturbing Evidence In Bianca Jones Murder Case
DETROIT (WWJ) - A judge has set bond at $3 million for D'Andre Lane, saying he's disturbed by evidence submitted that indicates cadaver dogs detected signs of a dead body at the man's home.
The 32-year-old Detroit father accused in the abduction and death of his 2-year-old daughter was arraigned Thursday on murder and child abuse charges. Lane pleaded not guilty in connection with the disappearance of Bianca Jones, whose body has not been found.
He appeared via video monitor before Magistrate Steve Lockhart in 36th District Court.
Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse Thursday, Lane's attorney Terry Johnson insisted that his client has done nothing wrong.
"This is a public outcry. The public wanted something. The public has something now," said Johnson. "And now they have to put up. We've gotta see the evidence."
Johnson said he's concerned about his client's safety and has asked that Lane be separated from other prisoners. "You all know what happened a few weeks ago to someone who was accused of shooting 9-year-old boy," he said. "I don't want anything to happen to Mr. Lane."
Lane's 17-year-old son, also named D'Andre, said he supports his father.
"He tells me everything's gonna be OK, man. It's just hard to believe, you know what I'm sayin'," said the younger Lane. "I mean, everyone's got negative opinions, you know what I mean, about my dad. And, like I said, they don't know him like I do."
"He not gonna harm none of his children, especially over discipline," he said. "He disciplined all of us in the right way ... my cousins, you know, all of us. So ... it's just hard to believe that he'd hurt my sister. But I know he didn't."
Lane had said his child was taken during a carjacking in December. She wasn't inside when the vehicle was found. According to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, an extensive investigation determined that there was no carjacking.
A preliminary exam in the case is set for mid-April.
