A bond has been set for a Florida man after a multi-county police chase led to finding a body in the backseat of his car on Wednesday, January 18.
David M. Reed, 54, appeared before Judge Chappell by virtual means for his arraignment in Laurel County District Court on Friday morning, January 20.
Chappell entered a non-guilty plea on Reed's behalf. He then assigned an attorney on Reed’s behalf, but Reed was also given the option to hire his own attorney if he so chooses.
Chappell then set Reed’s bond to $1 million.
At 10:12 a.m. on January 18, Kentucky State Police Troopers spotted a 2016 white Lincoln SUV driving in a careless manner, according to Post 11 Public Affairs Officer Scottie Pennington.
“Troopers being troopers, ya know, we went to investigate it and when troopers approached the vehicle, the suspect took off at a high rate of speed,” Pennington said.
Police then initiated a vehicle pursuit that traveled through Madison and Rockcastle Counties and eventually ended in Laurel County.
While in Laurel County, Reed collided with several state trooper vehicles as he attempted to get away. This caused Reed to lose control, and once the vehicle was disabled, he was put into custody by officers.
Police then conducted a search of the vehicle.
“Troopers located what they thought to be a body in the back seat of the vehicle,” he said. “Upon further investigation, they confirmed it was a deceased female in the back of the vehicle.”
The female’s body was identified as Rachel Louise Carder, 53, of Huntington, West Virginia. Carder’s body was sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for an autopsy.
The cause of death is undetermined at this time, and foul play is suspected.
Reed is currently being held at Laurel County Correction Center on charges of Murder – Domestic Violence, Abuse of a Corpse, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Fleeing or Evading Police - First Degree, Criminal Mischief - Second Degree, Wanton Endangerment – Second Degree Police Officer, Careless Driving, Resisting Arrest, and No Operator’s License.
He will appear in court for a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday, January 24, at 11 a.m.
Staff Report by The Kentucky Daily