June 20, 2013

Prosecutor: Theft was motive in monkey killing

BY: AP Staff Writer NOVEMBER 21, 2012 | MODIFIED: NOVEMBER 21, 2012 AT 8:01 PM
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Photo -   This booking photo provided by Boise Police Department shows Michael J. Watkins on Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. Police in Idaho say Watkins, 22, is facing felony burglary and grand theft charges after the death of a monkey at the Boise zoo. The patas monkey was found dead of blunt force trauma to the head and neck early Saturday morning, shortly after a zoo security guard frightened away two male intruders. (AP Photo/Boise Police Department)
This booking photo provided by Boise Police Department shows Michael J. Watkins on Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. Police in Idaho say Watkins, 22, is facing felony burglary and grand theft charges after the death of a monkey at the Boise zoo. The patas monkey was found dead of blunt force trauma to the head and neck early Saturday morning, shortly after a zoo security guard frightened away two male intruders. (AP Photo/Boise Police Department)

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Prosecutors say the man accused of killing a monkey at Boise's zoo hoped to steal the animal, but he was bitten and then he clubbed it to death with a tree branch.

Ada County Deputy Prosecutor Fafa Alidjani said Wednesday that Michael J. Watkins entered the zoo Saturday morning, manipulated a lock to get into the primate enclosure and removed the patas monkey by wrapping it in his jacket.

Fourth District Judge Henry Boomer denied a request from Watkins' public defender to reduce bail from $150,000 to $10,000.

Alidjani argued bail shouldn't be reduced because Watkins has a history of arrests from drugs and drunken driving, and probation violations.

Police have said they don't expect others to be charged, but Watkins' public defender, Gary Reedy, told the judge at least one individual entered the zoo with Watkins.

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