Lancaster, Pennsylvania – A judge in Lancaster County has set bail at $1.5 million for Bryan Hollister, who is facing murder charges in the shooting death of a man in Providence Township back in November. During a hearing on Thursday, Judge Thomas Sponaugle granted bail for Hollister, although it remains unclear whether he will be able to post the hefty sum, as he had not done so as of Tuesday.

Hollister, 25, shot Aiden Kimmet, 25, at the residence of Alexa Nettke on November 27, alleging self-defense as Kimmet allegedly advanced towards him. Both men were romantically involved with Nettke, who shares a child with Hollister. Charges against Hollister include first-degree murder, homicide, reckless endangerment, and a weapon offense.

The events leading up to the tragic shooting involved Hollister caring for their son at Nettke’s residence while she attended a holiday gathering. Nettke informed the authorities that Kimmet was hostile towards Hollister and had threatened them before.

New details emerged during the hearing, including revelations about Kimmet’s high blood-alcohol content and the presence of cocaine in his system. Despite being unarmed at the time of his death, it was disclosed that Kimmet knew Hollister possessed a firearm. Hollister claimed self-defense, stating that Kimmet attacked him, which led to the fatal shooting.

Prosecutors decided not to pursue the death penalty against Hollister, much to the relief of his defense attorney. Beyer highlighted Hollister’s clean record, educational background, and recent homeownership as factors in his plea for bail. However, Assistant District Attorney Ande Garcia argued against bail, labeling Kimmet’s death as an execution and criticizing Hollister for changing his account of the events.

The judge set several conditions for Hollister’s potential release, including house arrest and restrictions preventing him from contacting Nettke’s household or Kimmet’s family. The decision to grant bail follows a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on bail eligibility for certain homicide defendants, resulting in similar circumstances in other Lancaster County cases.