Saturday, July 6, 1996

Judge Denies Request For Bail Reduction In Routier Case

By Associated Press

DALLAS (AP) - A Rowlett mother accused of killing two of her sons remained jailed Friday with bond set at $1 million after a judge denied her request to reduce that amount.

Darlie Routier, who is fighting capital murder charges alleging she fatally stabbed her sons Damon, 5, and Devon, 6, in the family room of their upscale home June 6, had filed court papers labeling her bail "excessive" and "penal in nature."

She and family members, in a two-day hearing that resumed Friday, sought to have her bail reduced to about $100,000.

But state District Judge Mark Tolle wasn't swayed by arguments that Mrs. Routier wasn't a flight risk from Dallas County and that she would appear for all court actions. The 26-year-old defendant was then returned to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center under the same $1 million bond.

Her husband, who along with his wife has maintained her innocence, bowed his head and was comforted by family members after the judge's decision.

Leaving the courtroom, Darin Routier, 28, said he was disappointed and had hoped to "free Darlie."

Earlier in the week, he painted a bleak picture of the family's finances saying he owes money on much of his assets, including the couple's home, a $24,000 boat and other entertainment equipment.

Routier said he has roughly $2,000 in a business savings account and about $1,200 "on hand." He owes about $130,000 on two mortgages on the two-story Rowlett home. The couple owe roughly $12,000 to credit card companies and about $10,000 to the IRS for 1995 taxes.

Routier estimated his personal debt at close to $200,000 and said his taxable income in 1995 was $54,000. He and his wife own Testnec Electronics, which tests circuit boards for personal computer manufacturers. She worked part-time for the company, paid the bills and dealt with other administrative matters.

Tolle's decision comes two days after another judge gave temporary custody of the couple's 8-month-old son to the boy's paternal grandparents, Sarilda and Leonard Routier of Lubbock.

While Darin Routier was granted visitation rights, his wife can't have contact with Drake.