COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The case of a Coldwater man who is charged in connection with the April 12 death of a bicyclist north of Kinderhook has been bound over to Branch County Circuit Court after a preliminary examination lasted for almost eight hours over two days.
27-year-old Jacob Daniel Ward is scheduled to appear for a Circuit Court arraignment on January 10. He is accused of driving an S.U.V. that struck a bicycle driven by 25-year-old Era Denna Hall who was riding on Old U.S. 27 near Nye Road.
The District Court preliminary exam started October 28. It was adjourned until Wednesday afternoon and concluded after the Branch County Courthouse had closed for the night.
Judge Brett Weigle decided at about 5:30 p.m. that the prosecution has met its burden of proof and sent the case on to Circuit Court for trial.
Among those who testified during the hearing were the Michigan State Police troopers who investigated the crash.
Ward has been charged with Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death, Reckless Driving Causing Death, Moving Violation Causing Death, Use of Methamphetamine and Use of Marijuana.
He was released after posting a $100,000 cash or surety bond at the Branch County Jail on July 27.
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