CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A judge set bond for the man accused of murdering a newly hired Charlotte-Mecklenburgschoolteacher and hiding her body.
Angelo Smith has been in jail since police arrested him last year on suspicion of killing his girlfriend, Bianca Tanner.
Read our past coverage:
- Prosecutors will not seek death penalty in Bianca Tanner case
- Autopsy finds teacher died from 'undetermined trauma'
- Medical examiner IDs remains as Bianca Tanner
- Boyfriend accused of killing teacher to appear in court
Smith walked in to court and waved to his family members.
One woman in the group cried so passionately the judge stopped the hearing and she left, crying and repeatedly saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
Tanner's family wept quietly in court.
Family members from both sides left court without comment.
In court, the prosecutor told the judge that Smith put on an impressive act last summer.
He reported his girlfriend missing and even told friends that police weren't doing enough to find her, all the while knowing that he strangled Tanner, who is half his size, and left her body in the woods.
The prosecutor said that when police conducted a thorough search of Smith, they found abrasions consistent with her grabbing him as he choked her.
They say they found what they consider proof of abuse at their home, including a note apparently to Tanner that read, "Everyone is going to hurt you but you have to find the one who is worth suffering for."
Smith's attorneys said a member of Tanner'sfamily told investigators they didn't like Smith, but Tanner was as happy as she has ever been.
Defense attorneys said he had an argument with his girlfriend that turned into a struggle.
Defense attorneys said the fight started with a text message and that Tanner lost her temper and pulled a knife, then a gun on Smith.
They said Smith grabbed her and got the gun away. They struggled and Tanner died.
One of his attorneys told the judge, "What he did is deplorable. He may not be a likable person, but bond isn't for punishment."
Smith's former neighbors are stunned to hear he could soon get out on bond.
"I think it is utterly ridiculous. He should stay in jail,” one neighbor said.
Smith's bond was set at $250,000 and he is due back in court on Sept. 24.
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