Judge says suspect in SIU threat case should be released

A federal judge has ruled a Chicago man accused of mailing threats of rapes, bombings and beheadings to Southern Illinois University's Carbondale campus should be released pending trial.

But at a Wednesday detention hearing in Chicago, Magistrate Judge Susan Cox stayed Derrick Burns' release while prosecutors appeal her decision.

Prosecutor Kartik Raman cited chilling threats she said the 21-year-old made as proof he is a potential threat.

But Cox said prosecutors failed to show Burns is dangerous, adding, "I feel comfortable with my decision."

Standing in orange jail clothes, Burns appeared calm in court and turned to smile at relatives.

If her decision stands, Cox said Burns would be released into his aunt's care. She said he'd have to wear an electronic monitor and get a mental health assessment.