Judge again denies Roberts’ bond reduction

FARMINGTON – Jason Roberts’ was again denied a bond reduction.

Roberts, 27, is charged with second-degree murder. He is accused of causing the death of Michael “Todd” Sirclum.

On Wednesday, his public defender asked for a reduction in bond, which is currently set at $100,000.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Pat King let the judge know that he and the victim’s family, who was present in court, were against any bond reduction. Circuit Court Judge Kenneth W. Pratte denied a bond reduction and passed the case to Oct. 19.

According to the probable cause statement, officers were dispatched Dec. 24 to 1021 Maple Street in Bismarck in reference to an assault. Upon their arrival, Bismarck Police Chief Dave Dickerson said the officers found Sirclum lying in the yard being treated by Bismarck firefighters.

The victim was subsequently airlifted to St. John’s Mercy Hospital in St. Louis and placed on life support. He died Dec. 28.

St. Francois County Coroner Jim Coplin said preliminary results of the autopsy showed Sirclum died of complications of a closed head injury due to blunt force trauma.

The amended probable cause statement states Sirclum’s wife told police she saw her cousin, Roberts, strike Sirclum in the head, knock him to the ground and begin to kick him.

Roberts was arrested at about 4:30 p.m. Jan. 2 on South Kingshighway in St. Louis.

Roberts has prior convictions and was just released from prison last October for one of those convictions, according to the Department of Corrections. His previous convictions include second-degree assault, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and misdemeanor resisting arrest.