A man charged with drowning his wife last summer now needs only $50,000, instead of $2 million, to get out of jail.
A judge lowered bail for David E. Drake this week in exchange for Drake's promises to attend all court hearings. He must also have no contact with possible witnesses and forfeit any interest he may have in his wife's real estate if he leaves town.The arrangement still hasn't freed Drake, however. According to Salt Lake County Jail officers, the 55-year-old Sandy man remains behind bars.
He was charged with murder, a first-degree felony, on Nov. 21. Deputies found his wife submerged in a half-full bathtub on July 7, her face pressed against the drain.
Detectives suspected murder immediately but had no evidence to warrant a charge until a witness, Stacey Merrill Suphan, came forward last month. She said she accompanied Drake to his wife's home in Sandy and stood in the room while he held his wife's head under water.
Third Circuit Judge Robin Reese lowered the bail at the request of Drake's attorneys.
"I think (Drake) will make all of his appearances and that the witnesses will be adequately protected," said prosecutor Carvel Harward.