WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | UPDATE: Tenant accused of murder denied bond on two charges

UPDATE: Tenant accused of murder denied bond on two charges

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - The family of 70 year-old Herta Bailey was present for the first court appearance of suspected murderer, Ricky Lee Powell.  The Recorder's Court judge denied bond on two of four charges against the accused murderer. Now the case is en route to Superior Court.

"We want to hear all the evidence. Justice will be served one way or the other. We have to stand firm, be solid, that's what we plan on doing, " said Tina Womack, Bailey's daughter.

During the court appearance, several new details were released by detectives - shedding additional light on Bailey's murder.

Tuesday morning, Columbus Police arrested the 39 year-old man for Bailey's death. Investigators were led to the man after viewing the real estate agent's schedule book which indicated a Monday evening meeting in her office. Bailey, owned a home on Pineneedle Drive that she was renting out to Powell.

Police say, in court Thursday, Powell refused to take responsibility for the murder, saying he met with Bailey, his landlord, but left without hurting her.

According to Powell's statement, all he knew was that two of his friends, one that goes by "Birdman", entered Land Inc.'s building after he walked out.

Powell added, the two men came to his house and handed him Bailey's credit cards, saying it was okay to use them.

Rather, police say the Powell met with Bailey in her office on Whitesville Road Monday evening to discuss an eviction because he was behind on his rent.

Investigators, say during the meeting at Land Inc. Powell struck Bailey and strangled her to death. He allegedly dumped her body in the trunk of her car --- taking some of her personal belongings, including some credit cards, which he used to pay two utility bills.  

While in custody, Powell revealed to investigators the location of Bailey's body-- in the trunk of her car on 51st Street.  

Powell was denied bond on the murder and kidnapping charges, with a $25,000 bond on theft of a motor vehicle, and credit card theft charges.

Even though he pled not guilty to Bailey's murder, the judge found enough evidence to send the case to superior court.  
Now that there is the possibility of other suspects, the murder investigation is still on-going.  Meanwhile, Bailey's family is still waiting for answers.  

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