Judge reduces bond of man charged with murder

A Ville Platte man being held in jail for allegedly killing an individual and shooting at officers on E. Wilson St. in Ville Platte appeared in court Monday for a hearing to reduce his bond.
During the hearing, 13th Judicial District Court Judge Gary Ortego reduced Davonte Ardoin’s bond from $1,390,000.00 to $850,000.00. As special conditions of the new bond, Ardoin was ordered to wear an ankle monitor, to stay with his grandfather, and to stay away from the victim who was wounded in the altercation if he is able to post the new bond.
Ardoin was originally charged after he allegedly shot and killed 21-year-old Rene Williams and wounded 30-year-old James Macias on Sunday, April 7.
Following a standoff with police officers, Ardoin was taken into custody and booked in the city jail on charges of first degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault on a police officer, criminal damage to property, false imprisonment with a firearm, and illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrument.
Ardoin was previously in court on May 2 for his arraignment at which time he entered pleas of not guilty to the charges through his court appointed attorney Jacob Fusilier. Ardoin is set to return to court on August 8 for pre-trial hearings and on August 19 for trial.