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Accused DUI driver in fatal crash gets bond
A man accused of driving drunk and killing two people on a motorcycle over the weekend faced a judge on Monday. Michael Thompson, 40, of Sanford was arrested and charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter after the incident that unfolded on State Road 46 in Geneva on Saturday. Richard Mills, 65, and Joanne Talley, 61, were killed in the crash.
GENEVA, Fla. - A Seminole County judge issued a $51,000 bond for a man accused of hitting and killing two people while driving drunk in Geneva.
Michael Thompson, 40, was charged with one count of driving under the influence and two counts of DUI manslaughter. He received a $1,000 bond for the former and a $50,000 for the latter – $25,000 for each count.
Under the conditions of his release, he will also not be allowed to drink alcohol. If he bonds out, Thompson will have to wear a SCRAM monitor, which tracks alcohol intake. Several of the victims’ loved ones looked on as Thompson received his bond. They were all disappointed he received a bond at all. Thompson has a previous DUI conviction on his record.
The victims, 61-year-old Joanne Talley and 65-year-old Richard Mills were riding on a motorcycle when they were hit, according to Florida Highway Patrol.
Michelle Winn is a manager at The Alibi, the bar where Joanne worked. Winn was one of the first people on the scene of the crash. She said the pair was turning onto the road where the bar is located when they were hit.
"I would like to see him stay behind bars. I would like for him to never get out again," Winn said.
Winn drew concern from Thompson’s demeanor during the hearing. At times, he leaned on the nearby door frame as the judge addressed him, and appeared to be interested in the financial burden the alleged crime will bring forth. "How am I going to pay for this if I don’t have a job?" Thompson asked as the judge went over the fees associated with his potential release.
According to the family, the behavior displayed by Thompson showed a lack of remorse. Several members became emotional as they watched.
"He don’t care about what he’s done," Winn said. "He don’t care about the lives he took."
Thompson’s next appearance is set for the end of November.