Alabama boat operator charged with murder after July 4 crash

Damion Bruno, 41, of Clanton, Ala., was arrested Monday and booked into the Elmore County Jail on two charges of reckless murder in a boat crash on Lake Jordan in Wetumpka, Ala., on July 4.

Clay Jackson, 26, of Deatsville, Ala., and Travis House, 17, of Marbury, Ala., died in the crash and two others were seriously injured. District Judge Glenn Goggans refused to lower the $750,000 bond.

According to the Wetumpka Herald, Jackson’s mother Leslie Fuller was in the courtroom with friends on each side, but she declined to comment after being in the same room with Bruno for the first time.

“Today was the first time the family has actually seen the person who murdered their family member,” Mandy Johnson, Elmore County senior assistant district attorney, said in a statement. “They’re pleased the bond remained the same.”

In addition to reckless murder, Bruno was charged with first-degree assault for injuries suffered by Caleb Peters, second-degree assault for injuries incurred by Randy Young and for driving under the influence. Each reckless murder charge carries a $250,000 bond, while each assault has a $100,000 bond and the OUI charge comes with a $50,000 bond.

Prosecutors recommended that Goggans not lower the bond because of the seriousness of the case and because Bruno reportedly has strong ties to Wisconsin. Goggans told Bruno if he makes bond, he cannot leave the state without the court’s permission.