A Kanawha County Circuit judge on Thursday agreed to set bond for a man facing a murder charge in a killing that took place earlier this year at a strip club in Jefferson.
Scott Johnson Meador, 39, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Glen Alfred Carpenter Jr., 50. Kanawha Circuit Judge Tod Kaufman has scheduled an early June trial date.
On Thursday, Kaufman allowed Meador's attorney, James Cagle, to argue for the second time about why his client should await trial at home. Kaufman eventually agreed to set a $75,000 surety bond, which allows for property to be posted. Cagle has said Meador's parents plan to use their house in St. Albans as collateral. Meador was still in the South Central Regional Jail late Thursday.
Earlier Thursday, Cagle described several health problems Meador was experiencing, which he said could be better managed from home.
Cagle also told Kaufman that he needs Meador out of jail to help prepare his defense. Meador has worked as a computer programmer and was installing a security system at the Jefferson club on the night of the killing.
Prosecutors objected to Meador getting a bond.
Families of both Meador and Carpenter filled the courtroom.
Carpenter's family left the hearing crying.
Carpenter was found with 11 stab wounds to his back and additional stab wounds to his face. He was also shot in the head, but police didn't realize that until later because there was so much blood.
Cagle says his client acted in self defense.
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