Bond cut for Elgin teen in murder case

A Kane County judge Tuesday reduced bond for a 16-year-old Elgin boy who is charged with first-degree murder along with his mother.

Judge Allen M. Anderson cut bond from $3 million to $250,000 for Lacorbek Benion, who would now have to post $25,000 cash be released while his case is pending. Should he go free, the judge said, Benion would be placed on electronic home monitoring and GPS tracking.

"My intent is that he will have an adult present at all times," Anderson said.

Defense attorney Van Richards, who had asked bond to be lowered to $200,000, said the teenager would live with his grandparents and be home schooled if released from the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center, where he was being held Tuesday.

Benion was indicted in late March on charges he beat 16-year-old John W. Keyes III in the head with a baseball bat after Keyes was struck by a car driven by Benion's mother, Timera D. Branch, 34, of Streamwood, in Elgin on Nov. 8, 2009, according to the allegations.

Prosecutor Greg Sams said Benion could face a life sentence if the state proves "wanton cruelty" in the case.

Anderson warned Benion that he must take seriously the conditions of his release, including having no visitors other than his family and lawyer, or he could end up back in custody.

"You get one chance," he said.

Benion, who has no prior criminal history, returns to court June 2.