‘If you take a life, you do not deserve bail.’ Grandmother of slain Bronx teen speaks out
Police say Riley Billingslea was shot in the head on Aug. 12 inside an apartment on Claflin Avenue in Kingsbridge Heights.
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The grandmother of a 15-year-old boy shot and killed in the Bronx this summer is criticizing a judge for setting bail for the teenager accused of her grandson’s murder.
“If you take a life, you do not deserve bail,” said Elaine Rogers, the grandmother of Riley Billingslea.
Police say Riley was shot in the head on Aug. 12 inside an apartment on Claflin Avenue in Kingsbridge Heights.
Court records show that on Oct. 30, a judge set bail for the 16-year-old accused of killing Riley at $25,000 cash or a $100,000 insured bond, with conditions including electronic monitoring.
Rogers expressed frustration with the decision, saying the possibility of the accused teenager returning to the neighborhood has left her concerned for her safety.
“We can bump into each other in the supermarket. I don’t feel safe here,” Rogers said.
Rogers said she believes the teenager should not be allowed to return to the neighborhood.
The 16-year-old is charged with murder and is scheduled to appear in court again on Dec. 21.
