Wife Still Jailed in NFL Player's Slaying

C H A R L O T T E, N.C., Aug. 24 -- A judge rejected the latest attempt bythe widow and accused killer of NFL running back Fred Lane to bereleased from jail so she could care for her two young children butagreed to hold a bond hearing Friday.

Mecklenburg County Superior Court Judge Richard Boner turneddown the bid today by Deidra Lane’s attorney for a second bondhearing in two days. The hearing was opposed by prosecutors. But Boner said he would hold a hearing Friday.

“I’m not saying I’m going to grant bond,” Boner told lawyers. “What I am going to do is let both sides have their say.”

With Deidra Lane sobbing audibly at the defense table, defenseHenderson Hill tried to persuade Boner to hold the hearing thismorning.

“She is the sole provider for two very young children,” Hillsaid, adding that she posed no danger to others or flight risk.“Her 4-year-old son has gone through a traumatic loss.”

Prosecutors argued against holding the hearing today, sayingthe family of Fred Lane had not been notified.

“I’m confident they would very much want to be here,” saidAssistant District Attorney Gentry Caudle.

Deidra Lane, 25, is charged with murder in the shooting death ofher husband. Prosecutors told another judge on Wednesday that shecould face first-degree murder in the case.

Faces Murder Charge

On Wednesday, Deidra Lane appeared close to tears as she appeared beforeMecklenburg County District Court Judge Philip Howerton, wearing anorange jail jumpsuit and shackles on her legs. She had turned herself in to authorities in the company of her attorney just before 7:30 a.m. that day.

She responded “Yes” when Howerton asked her if she knew shehad been charged with murder.

Under North Carolina law, she was charged with one count thatcovers both first- and second-degree murder. Contrary to what had been previously reported, prosecutors did not indicate which level they would pursue.