ISLEWORTH, Fla. — A judge denied bail for the Isleworth millionaire accused of killing his wife, despite his murder conviction being overturned.
Bob Ward, 67, was tried for the death of his wife in 2011, but an appeal put part of the case on hold.
The State Attorney's Office is appealing the case and, until that is settled, prosecutors said Ward is still technically a convict and needs to remain behind bars.
Ward was found guilty of shooting and killing his wife, but a judge ordered a new trial on the grounds of ineffective counsel. Ward has already served four years of a 30-year sentence and his attorneys asked he be set free.
"(Ward) was on release pending trial. There were reasonable conditions that could secure his attendance at trial. He complied with all those conditions," defense attorney Craig Gillen said.
Prosecutors said Ward is not entitled to be released because until the court of appeals grants a new trial, Ward is a convict.
If a new trial is granted, the state said it will prosecute again.
Cox Media Group
