Judge Won’t Lower Bond for Mandan Murder Suspect

MANDAN, N.D. (AP) — A judge has refused to lower bond for a Mandan man accused of killing a neighbor and setting a mobile home on fire to cover up the crime.

The attorney for 49-year-old Rodney Friesz asked Judge Bruce Romanick to reduce bond from $250,000 to $100,000. Romanick rejected the request Monday, citing public safety.

Friesz is accused in the Oct. 9 slaying of 62-year-old Gene Jassmann. Authorities allege Friesz shot Jassmann in the head with a .22-caliber rifle after the two argued, then lit the home on fire.

Friesz will enter pleas later to charges of felony murder and arson. He could face life in prison without parole if convicted.