No decision made in Shawn Long bond hearing

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A teen accused of killing his friend appeared in court Wednesday for a new bond hearing.

Shawn Long has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the shooting death of 18-year-old Roberto Lauer.

Long's current bond is a $250,000 cash-only bond.

A bond investigation report recommenced Long's new bond be home arrest with a GPS monitor.

After hearing from people who knew both Long and Lauer testify and arguments from the defense and prosecution, Judge Stephanie Morrell was unable to come to a decision regarding the bond.

"I'm not going to make a decision right now, I want to review the bond memos, the testimony that has been given, the reports that have been given as well as the bond investigation report before I make a decision," Judge Morrell said.

One of the five people who testified Wednesday was Mary Noble, who lived in the home on Irma Drive where Lauer died. She has been Lauer's guardian for the last four years and has had Long at her home.

Noble stated she knows there are consequences but Long doesn't need to be in jail.

"To lose two lives in this is not sensible to me," Noble said.

Lauer's mother, Ashley Nichols, also testified virtually saying, Long is a danger to the community and that her 12-year-old son has told her he's seen Long play with guns.

Nichols said, "He's had these guns out several times, playing with them several times."

According to a probable cause statement, Long admitted to police that he pointed the gun at Lauer in a playful manner and the gun went off.

The prosecution argued that this case shouldn't be characterized as an accident and more as reckless conduct.

The prosecution also argued that at home GPS monitoring is not a useful tool in an involuntary manslaughter case.

The defense claimed the guns in question belonged to Lauer and that it was not stated in the probable cause statement.

The defense attorney says Long shouldn't be away from family and friends while dealing with this matter.

Judge Morrell says she will make a decision as soon as possible.

Long is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on February 17th.