Bond reduction motion: Hit-and-run driver who killed eight-year-old Joplin girl poses no danger to community

The hit-and-run driver charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident in connection with the September 27 accident that killed eight-year-old Destiny Chambers should receive a lower bond because he poses no threat to the community, according to a bond motion filed today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Springfield attorney Thomas Carver, representing Lance T. Lee, 49, DeKalb, Illinois, says that Lee's bond, currently set at $10,000 cash only is too much.

"Defendant Lee has no criminal history and prior to this incident maintained (an) unremarkable driving history. There is nothing in his past that would constitute a danger to the community.

The factual basis for the charge does not involve aggravating factors such as alcohol or controlled substance usage and there is no allegation that Defendant Lee was under the influence of any substance at the time of this incident."



Carver said his client, who lives in DeKalb with his "significant other" has lived there for many year and has extended family in the area. "There are conditions or combinations of conditions that will ensure His appearance at all stages of the proceedings in this cause of action."

Carver asked for a $10,000 surety bond. The bond reduction hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday before Judge Joseph Hensley.

Lee pleaded not guilty during a video arraignment this morning.


According to the probable cause statement, Lee, who was driving a semi, struck the Soaring Heights Elementary third grader and did not stop until the Highway Patrol caught up to him in Strafford.

At first, Lee told the investigating officer the damage to his truck had been done when he hit a deer on I-44. He later admitted he had been involved in the accident on Newman Road and thought he had hit a mailbox.