Former Weld County Officer Accused Of Killing Wife Back In Colorado
LOVELAND, Colo. (CBS4) - A former Weld County corrections officer accused of killing his wife is back in Colorado and made his first court appearance on Wednesday.
Thomas Fallis, 34, was taken into custody at his home in Bloomington, Ind., where he was living with his children on Nov. 18. Police say he shot 28-year-old Ashley Fallis on New Year's Day 2012 after a fight at their Evans home.
Police first ruled her death a suicide, but investigators reopened the case earlier this year after allegations that officers mishandled evidence.
The judge on Wednesday increased the bond for Thomas Fallis from $200,000 to $500,000.
"It felt great, even though it's a horrible situation, it felt great that he is in custody," said Jenna Fox, Ashley Fallis' mother at court. "It felt great to see him in custody and it felt great that they (increased) the bond."
Fallis' family members claim Thomas Fallis had something to do with the death and that statements from key witnesses were omitted or changed from the original police report, including a statement from Ashley's 6-year-old daughter.
The indictment says Thomas Fallis became angry during a New Year's party hosted by the couple, and later fought with Ashley over smoking before getting a gun and killing her.
Fallis' attorney released a statement in November that read in part: "Mr. Fallis is innocent. He deeply loves his wife and did not kill her."
If Fallis posts bond he will not be allowed to leave Colorado.