Judge Cuts Timothy Batts' Bond In Half

The Hendersonville man accused of killing his 11-year-old daughter appeared in court where a judge cut his bond in half.

Timothy Batts' bond of $1 million was reduced Friday to $500,000. The courtroom was filled with Batt's supporters who cheered after the announcement.

Batts has been charged with reckless homicide in the death of his daughter, Timea.

Batts originally told police she was shot while getting off the school bus. But he later confessed that he accidentally shot her after being startled when she arrived home from her first day of 6th grade.

Patrick Starnes, Timothy Batts' uncle, was called as a witness. He confirmed they support Batts.

A police witness said they recovered home surveillance video that showed Batts walking around the home on the phone with a gun before Timea walked in.

His friends started an online petition to get his bond reduced so that he may be released for his daughter's funeral. The petition had almost 11,000 signatures.

In addition to being charged with reckless homicide, he's also jailed on charges of tampering with evidence, false reporting and being a felon with a firearm.

The hearing was held at 9 a.m. in Sumner County.

-WTVF