ORLANDO, Fla. – On Friday, Bob Ward shuffled into courtroom 6D at the Orange County Courthouse with handcuffs around his waist, wrists and ankles, hoping to soon be free.
The former Isleworth millionaire was twice convicted in the 2009 shooting death of his wife Diane Ward. He is hoping to get bond as he appeals his second conviction.
Diane Ward died of a single gunshot wound to the head inside their Isleworth mansion. Bob Ward said repeatedly during a 911 call that he had shot his wife.
In 2011, Ward was convicted of second-degree murder in his wife's death, but that conviction was overturned.
In February, Ward was convicted again, for manslaughter, and received a sentence in June for up to 30 years in prison.
Wiith new attorneys on the case, Ward is again appealing his murder conviction. During sentencing in June, Ward's attorneys brought up a suicide note allegedly left by his wife. The defense claims that the letter is proof that she was trying to kill herself the night a gun Ward was holding went off.
As part of a 22-page motion, Ward's defense lawyers again referred to the note, adding that they believe there were also problems with jury instructions and circumstantial evidence during Ward's second trial.
Assistant state attorneys argued those reasons are insufficient for Ward to be released from jail.
"There is no indication in this case that Mr. Ward will be a flight risk," his attorney said.
Before both of Ward's two previous trials, the same Orange County Circuit judge overseeing the appeal, Leticia Marques, granted him bond. Attorneys pointed out that, both times he was released, he had no problems, never fled and never skipped out on a court date.
"This court itself, back in 2017, said he's not a flight risk, not a danger to the community, and nothing has changed," Ward's attorney said.
Diane Ward's family is still coming to Bob Ward's defense after his two convictions.
On Friday, Paula Saare, Diane Ward's sister, testified that Bob Ward could stay at her home in Camden County, Georgia and that she would even put up her house as collateral for his bond. His attorneys said that Bob Ward is now broke.
Prosecutor William Jay told the judge that's hard to believe.
"I think the question of the day is, 'What is he actually worth?'" Jay said. "What corporations does he actually control? Who knows? ... Your Honor, we are asking you to deny the request."
Marques did not make a decision at the hearing on Friday. She said she will submit her decision in writing in a motion that prosecutors say could come as early as next week.