Bail cut for wrestler accused of invading cop’s home
A DuPage County judge cut bail in half Thursday for a former Harper College wrestler whose home invasion trial ended in a hung jury.
The reduction means Kerin Ramirez of Addison could soon be freed after more than 18 months in jail, defense attorney Gal Pissetzky said.
Judge George Bakalis halved the defendant’s $300,000 bail after the defense presented several letters of support from community members and teachers.
Pissetzky said the judge also has requested a meeting in his chambers with attorneys on the case.
Jurors failed to reach a verdict when Ramirez, 21, stood trial in April on charges he invaded the Carol Stream-area home of Wood Dale police Sgt. Michael Peters.
Peters testified he shot Ramirez after a lengthy fight with the college wrestler, who contended he was fired upon almost immediately after entering the house.
At trial, the defense argued Ramirez was drunk and trying to return to a nearby party when he accidentally wandered into the home early one morning in September 2011. The prosecution said the officer was attacked and shot Ramirez after being unable to subdue him.
Pissetzky said his client should not be retried for home invasion, a high-level felony punishable by six to 30 years in prison.
“If it was anybody other than a police officer, this case would have long been resolved in a different way,” Pissetzky said. “At best, it’s misdemeanor trespass.”
Prosecutors objected to the bail reduction and have said they will try Ramirez again on the same charge.
“The facts and circumstances of the case haven’t changed,” state’s attorney spokesman Paul Darrah said.
Ramirez would have to post $15,000 to bond out of jail. Pissetzky said his client should have the money together within the next week.
The case returns to court June 28.