Man Faces Felony Charges, Released Without Paying Bond

A man accused of helping to cover up the murder of a Norman woman was released from prison without paying bond.

Wednesday, August 19th 2009, 8:03 pm

By: News 9


By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A man accused of helping to cover up the murder of a Norman woman was released from prison without paying bond.

Roger Lee Shrum is charged with two felony counts of arson and one felony count of conspiracy to commit a felony after prosecutors said he took part in setting a Norman woman's house on fire.

Shrum turned himself in after learning of the charges, but the judge let him go after his arraignment hearing without paying bond, something even his attorney said is unusual.

"I would agree a PR bond is not normal in those type of cases. This isn't a typical arson case either," said Tim Kuykendall, Shrum's attorney.

In 2006, Sherry Hunter's Norman home was destroyed by fire. Her body was later found near Enid. Evidence recently brought to light led investigators to believe that Shrum was invlolved in the incident.

Kuykendall said there is a reason why his client was released on personal recognizance or without paying bond, even though prosecutors asked for a $20,000 bond.  He said his client is not a flight risk and an arrest warrant was never even issued.

"The purpose of bond is not to punish. The purpose of bond is to assure that someone will appear in court when they are supposed to," Kuykendall.

The Assistant District Attorney said he is requesting a provision on the bond that Shrum not have any contact with witnesses in the case.

A preliminary hearing date has not been set.

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