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Woman charged in crash that killed Officer Christine Braswell doesn't get a reduction in her bond

Posted at 10:18 PM, Jun 21, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-22 19:13:28-04

A judge has refused to reduce bond for a womanaccused of killing a Delray Beach police officer and injuring a fellow officer in a drunk and drugged car crash in Key West.

Lacy Morris allegedly turned in front of a scooter off-duty Officer Christine Braswell was driving, with fellow Officer Bernenda Marc riding on the back, in April.

Braswell was killed and Marc was seriously injured.

On Thursday, Morris and her attorney asked a judge to reduce her $170,000 bond.

Lacy's father said he was willing to put his house up as collateral.

But the state argued against any reduction saying the defendant has a history of substance abuse as well as pre-trial service and bond condition violations.

Marc attended the hearing and also voiced her opposition to any reduction in bond.

"The crash left me fighting for my life for days in a hospital intensive care unit. Doctors consider it remarkable that I survived," she told the judge.

She said she has been unable to return to work because of severe internal injuries.

"If possible I hope to prevent any other person or family from suffering from the pain and loss that Christine's family, my family and I have felt," Marc said.

"Your honor, I hope you consider these words in making your decision," Marc added.

At the same time, the State Attorney's Office asked to take a swab of DNA from Morris.

They need it, they argue, to compare it to DNA found on a half-smoked marijuana cigarette in the car Morris was driving. The 31-year-old Morris had a passenger in the car with her.

Blood tests show Morris had marijuana and cocaine in her system. Her blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit at .17.

Blood tests on 40-year-old Christine Braswell revealed she was sober.

Morris faces a host of charges including DUI manslaughter.

The judge granted the state's motion for a DNA sample.