Skip to main content

Murder Suspect's Bond: What Goes Down Can Also Go Back Up

Aug. 29, 2023 9:40p

(WGTD)---It just became a bit harder for a Racine murder defendant to get out of jail on bond while awaiting trial.

Earlier this year, Judge Robert Repischak made the unusual move of lowering David Luckett’s bail to $25,000 with house arrest, saying he felt obligated to do so because at the time Luckett had been sitting in jail without an attorney for two years. Luckett's mother said at the time she thought she'd be able to post the lower bond, but that never happened. 

Luckett and a cousin were both charged with 1st Degree Intentional Homicide in the ambush-style killing of 20-year-old Deveon Robbins at a Racine gas station in 2021.

The state’s Public Defender’s office was unable to represent both defendants because of potential conflicts, and no private attorney was willing to represent the second man…until just recently, when Racine attorney Natalie Wisco stepped in and took Luckett’s case.

In court Tuesday, Wisco said she felt obligated to take the case despite a busy court calendar.

She unsuccessfully fought a move by the prosecution to get the judge to reinstate a higher cash bond now that Luckett’s case is moving forward with an attorney.  Judge Robert Repischak raised Luckett’s bail to $100,000.

Because of a crowded calendar, Luckett’s case won’t come up for trial until next April.

The prosecutor described Luckett Tuesday as a known gang member who presents a significant danger to the community.

The shooting death of Robbins at the Marathon gas station on Rapids drive was described as a retaliatory murder.

-0-