Clovis man gets bond reduction

CLOVIS — A man facing charges in connection with the death of an 18-month-old child in 2015 received a bond reduction in district court Thursday.

Christopher A. Waltrip appeared before Judge Drew Tatum with his attorney, Stephen Taylor, while the state was represented by Assistant District Attorney Kirsten Beltran. Waltrip has been charged with Intentional Abuse of a Child Under 12 (Resulting in Death). A grand jury indictment was returned against Waltrip on Oct. 21.

Officials said Clovis police were called to the Plains Regional Medical Center emergency room the morning of May 4, 2015, regarding a suspicious death of a child, whose mother has also been charged with Abuse of a Child (Results in Great Bodily Harm) in the case. After hearing arguments from Taylor and Beltran, Tatum issued an order for a $100,000 cash surety bond in lieu of the no-hold bond previously in place.

“At this point, I think it’s appropriate to ask this court to consider Christopher’s release or at least a reduction of the bond hold he is under currently,” Taylor said in addressing Tatum. “The question in this case in posing a no-bond hold is the proof is evident, the presumption is great,” he said. “Both are lacking and there should be a reasonable bond — something that is affordable and not out of the range of Mr. Waltrip to post.”

Beltran requested the no-bond hold remain intact.

“The defendant does have prior convictions out of New Mexico for battery on a household member, receiving stolen property and shoplifting,” she said. “We believe this guy is a threat to our community, a flight risk, and he has a violent history. We believe the bond is appropriate and request it remain the same.”

After delivering his decision, Tatum issued a series of directives to Waltrip.

“It appears there is some prior criminal history,” he said. “There is a danger to the community aspect I consider to be high. I will issue a $100,000 cash surety bond. Mr. Waltrip, if you do post your bond, you cannot leave Curry or Roosevelt County; no alcohol, no illegal drugs, no contact with any co-defendants or witnesses. You must attend all hearings and will receive notice of new trial settings and any other motions, so stay in touch with your lawyer.”

While the case was slated to go to trial next month, Tatum said it would be taken off of the docket in consideration of a week being needed for the proceedings in addition to Taylor referencing he had not received materials needed for trial preparation and would not be prepared for February proceedings.

During Thursday’s hearing, Beltran provided Taylor with a packet of materials and Tatum said the trial could potentially be moved to August or September.