Brandon Buford has been denied release under the Illinois Safe-T Act provisions prior to his trial for the alleged May 4, 2023 killing of 33 year old Christopher J. Smalls. Although cash bail was eliminated in Illinois when a new provision of the Safe-T Act took effect this past September, prosecution can still appeal for a defendant to be held prior to trial, based upon reasons such as being a danger to the community or a flight risk.
On Wednesday (Jan 31) in Vermilion County Court, Judge Robert E McIntire granted Buford’s request to have his in custody status reconsidered, and heard arguments from Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy and Vermilion County public defender Michael Mara. While Lacy argued that Smalls’ death had occurred because Buford “brought a gun to a fistfight,” put the public in danger by using the gun outdoors in the 1200 block of Chandler, and then told a relative he was planning to run; Mara argued that outside this isolated incident Buford did not have a criminal record, and that he had plans to stay with his mother and aunt while awaiting trial.
Judge McIntire sided with State’s Attorney Lacy to have Buford remain in custody, but also reminded Buford that he would have 14 days to appeal the decision to the Illinois 5th District Appellate Court. Buford’s next court date is scheduled for February 20th at 9 AM.
