A Mobile County judge has granted bond to a man who was convicted just one day earlier of a 2019 Mobile murder, a decision the District Attorney’s Office is already moving to challenge in court.
David Cordero-Hernandez was found guilty October 20 in the killing of Tracie Dennis, while jurors acquitted him on a charge of abuse of a corpse. The following day, a judge set his bond at $100,000 despite the conviction.
State’s Bid to Revoke Bond Denied
Court records show state prosecutors filed a motion asking that Cordero-Hernandez be returned to custody, arguing he is “a danger to the community and a flight risk.” That motion was denied.
Defense attorney Domingo Soto argued that Alabama Criminal Procedure Rule 7.2 entitles his client to bond because the conviction carries a potential sentence of 20 years or less at its threshold. “Twenty [years] is the cusp,” Soto said, describing a gap he sees in the rule between conviction and sentencing.
Prosecutor: Rule Wasn’t Meant for Convicted Killers
Chief Assistant District Attorney Keith Blackwood said his office is familiar with the rule but does not believe it was designed to free people convicted of murder. “I don’t think the intent of the Supreme Court or the legislature … would ever be that a convicted murderer would be out on bond,” Blackwood said.
Soto countered that his client’s right to bail is protected under the Alabama Constitution. On the question of revocation, he argued there is no statute or rule directly addressing it.
Blackwood said the office plans to file another motion asking the judge to reconsider and revoke bail so Cordero-Hernandez remains in custody until sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for November 28, where he faces 20 years to life in prison and will be formally adjudicated.