EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
Vanderburgh County homeowner, Ira Beumer, didn't lack any support on Tuesday as he appeared in court for his bail hearing on murder and other charges.
His bond was set at $25,000 or $2,500 cash.
Beumer told investigators he was robbed at gunpoint in his home on Big Cynthiana Road in February.
Authorities say he took off in his truck, following the suspects, crashing into their car, killing one person.
Tuesday's hearing lasted about an hour after starting about 30 minutes late. The courtroom packed with supporters of Ira Beumer.
In addition to that $2,500 cash bond, Beumer is also required to wear an electronic home monitoring device and can't leave his home without the court's permission.
When the doors to circuit court room 208 opened shortly before two Tuesday afternoon, dozens of Ira Beumer's supporters were waiting. The crowd was so large that many had to stand during his hour long bail hearing.
Before heading to the courts building though, most of that group gathered in front of the Civic Center. Beumer's family, friends, and even strangers out in force and with a message.
"He don't deserve nothing. He was protecting his family," said supporter Wade Hayes.
Hayes says he's worked for Beumer for about 10 years. While many have only seen his mugshot, Hayes says the friend and boss he knows is not a criminal.
"Ira's a good man, he would help anybody. Anybody that needed help, Ira would help. For somebody to do this to Ira and take his freedom, that's not right. Not right at all," said Hayes.
That's why many in the crowd on Tuesday donated money toward Beumer's defense. The driving force behind a lot of this support is Beumer's family friend, Kristi Spalding.
"I definitely have to say the family has to be amazed by this. Just to see that people are standing by them, do support them and only want the best for Ira and his family right now," said Spalding.
Beumer and his family appeared to be pleased by the judge's ruling in court, allowing him to bond out of jail for $2,500 cash and return home while awaiting trial.
"Everyone's here that just wants to recognize that Ira is the victim right now. He's not the criminal, and he should never have been treated like a criminal," said Spalding.
Related Stories:
Copyright 2012 WFIE. All rights reserved.
Source: Vanderburgh Co. Jail
