MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – The man accused of causing a crash that killed a Rutland Police officer last summer wants out of jail.
Tate Rheaume’s attorney argued before the Vermont Supreme Court Tuesday that he shouldn’t be held without bail before trial.
Police say Rheaume was fleeing from officers in July 2023 when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with Officer Jessica Ebbighausen’s cruiser, killing her. He’s charged with aggravated murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence.
Sean Milligan, Rheaume’s attorney, told the justices Tuesday his client had no prior record and followed conditions when he was first released. “The court’s decision not to exercise its discretion and release Mr. Rheaume is arbitrary, given the lack in change of circumstances during the nine months he was released on bail, as well — several of the relevant factual findings underpinning the court’s decision not to exercise its discretion being clearly erroneous,” he said.
The state says the severity of the charge warrants withholding bail.
It’s not clear when the high court will make a decision.