BLOOMINGTON — Candis Ethridge was the victim of domestic abuse by the boyfriend who stands accused of killing her daughter, the woman’s attorney argued Tuesday in an effort to reduce her bond on child endangerment charges.
Bond for the Chenoa woman was reduced from $250,000 to $50,000 by McLean County Judge James Souk, meaning she must post $5,000 to be released from jail, where she has been held since her July 26 arrest.
Ethridge’s 3-year-old daughter, Destiny Cox, died in April from severe head trauma allegedly caused by David Gharrett, who was babysitting the child while Ethridge was at her job as a waitress. He faces first-degree murder charges.
Gharrett admitted to police that he slammed the girl into the bath tub after he lost his temper with her, according to police reports.
On Tuesday, defense lawyer Jeff Brown argued that Ethridge was beaten by Gharrett during their relationship. Brown also said Ethridge’s continued incarceration is interfering with her ability to complete a service plan required by the state in order for her to regain custody of a 20-month-old son she shares with Gharrett.
Assistant State’s Attorney Kate Hartzell said the state intends to prove that Ethridge knew about the abuse of Destiny by Gharrett but stood by her boyfriend. The prosecutor noted that a pretrial services evaluation did not recommend Ethridge’s release.
Souk denied a personal recognizance or no-cash bond requested by Brown.
The 25-year-old mother was arrested at a domestic violence shelter where she was staying in Bloomington.
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