ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – A murder suspect released from custody under the SAFE-T Act is back behind bars.
Varianna Parsons, 20, is one of two suspects charged with first-degree murder in the death of Kyle Stephens. During a court hearing Nov. 19, Judge Debra Schafer ordered Parsons be remanded to the Winnebago County jail.
On Oct. 7, Stephens was found stabbed to death under the Whitman Street bridge, according to authorities. Parsons and Shawn Bunton, 24, were named suspects in his killing.
Parsons was arrested and later granted pretrial release during her first appearance in a 17th Judicial Circuit courtroom. The decision to release Parsons by Judge Heidi Agustsson drew criticism from many within the community, including Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara.
The Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office later challenged the judge’s decision by filing a motion for release and the case was reassigned to Judge Schafer…