No bail reprieve for accused killer from Hoffman Estates

A Cook County judge today refused to lower the $1 million bond of a Hoffman Estates man accused of slaying his neighbor with a medieval-style dagger.

Defense attorneys for 29-year-old Joseph Biedermann unsuccessfully argued that the judge who set the original bond didn't hear all the facts in the case.

"I feel uncomfortable setting bond at $250,000 for a first-degree murder case," said Judge Thomas Fecarotta. "He doesn't have an extensive criminal history, but I don't believe a $1 million bond is unreasonable."

The ruling means Biedermann, who pleaded not guilty April 4, still needs to post $100,000 to be released from jail.

He has convictions for DUI and possession of cannabis.

Biedermann acted in self-defense early March 5 after 38-year-old Terrance Hauser Jr. ran at him with a knife, said defense attorney Darryl Goldberg.

"If a guy comes toward you with a knife, you have to defend yourself," Goldberg said after the hearing. "Anyone would have done the exact same thing in that situation."

He added, "We have every intention of going to trial."

According to authorities, Biedermann stabbed Hauser 58 times either in or just outside of Hauser's apartment at the Barrington Lakes complex on the 2200 block of Hassell Road.

It appears the two met the night of the murder, said police, who haven't indicated a possible motive.

Goldberg and another of Biedermann's lawyers, Ralph Meczyk, said their client acted responsibly by waiting for police and not running - a reason to consider lowering his bond.

They also pointed out that Biedermann was cut with the dagger, a superficial wound authorities believe was self-inflicted.

"(Hauser) had 58 stab wounds," Assistant State's Attorney Mike Gerber said. "The other guy had three stitches in his arm. Come on."

Fecarotta left the door open for a new bond reduction hearing should new facts come to light.

"I'll be happy to entertain it in the future," he said.

Biedermann's next court appearance is May 15.