Judge grants bond in Ga. hospital shooting case

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Authorities say they will notify witnesses and family members that an 86-year-old suspect in a deadly hospital shooting will be freed from jail on bond while he awaits trial on a murder charge.

The Augusta Chronicle reports (http://bit.ly/10AddyV) that Charles Gorrell was granted bond after a hastily called court hearing on Wednesday. Defense lawyer William Sussman said his client's health is rapidly deteriorating and he might soon die in jail if he's held there. Sussman said Gorrell has lost 32 pounds, and has been treated at a hospital numerous times since his arrest last month.

Gorrell is accused of killing his nephew, 59-year-old Tim Grooms of Lincolnton, in a room on the seventh floor of University Hospital on Oct. 16. Authorities say the shooting stemmed from a family dispute.

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Information from: The Augusta Chronicle , http://www.augustachronicle.com