COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Columbus Police Officer Adam Coy posted his $1 million bond Tuesday afternoon just hours after a judge lowered it from $3 million.
Coy left the jail in a hurry around 2:30 p.m., dressed in a scarf around his face, sunglasses and a hat. Protesters also stood outside the jail as he left, shouting at Coy.
Coy, who faces charges for the shooting death of Andre Hill, didn't attend his bond hearing Tuesday. His defense called the $3 million bond "unreasonable," arguing that it's three-times higher than related cases, including the Minneapolis officer who killed George Floyd last year, who had a bond of $1 million.
Magistrate Elizabeta Saken set the $3 million bond Friday, which was upheld by duty Judge Kimberly Croft. Mark Collins, Coy's defense attorney, filed a motion Sunday and called it "unconstitutionally excessive." Collins also cited an Ohio rule of criminal procedure. The rule states courts must release defendants on restrictions that would ensure their court appearances.
Common Pleas Judge Stephen McIntosh granted the defense's request and lowered the bond to $1 million.
Hill, a 47-year-old Black man, was shot and killed by Coy on Dec. 22 while dropping off Christmas gifts at a friend's house, according to authorities.
Coy, along with Columbus Officer Amy Detweiler, responded to an unrelated call about a car running on and off. Coy confronted Hill in the garage of his friend's house. Neither of their body cameras were turned on, so there is no audio with the footage. Coy claimed he saw a weapon in Hill's hand when he was shot multiple times, according to city documents.
Coy's defense has recently claimed that he saw a silver keychain in Hill's hand as well. Investigators found no weapon at the scene.
Coy was indicted last week for murder in the commission of a felony, felonious assault, and two counts of dereliction of duty. In his arraignment Friday, Coy pleaded not guilty.
Jamilah Muhammad contributed to this story.