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GRAND JURY Driver charged in deadly high-speed crash Bail set at $1 million for driver who allegedly caused crash that killed woman By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat MailTribune.com By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Aug. 11, 2016 @ 6:26 pm Updated Aug 11, 2016 at 9:55 PM By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Aug. 11, 2016 @ 6:26 pm Updated Aug 11, 2016 at 9:55 PM » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> A grand jury issued formal charges against a Gold Hill man tied to the early Sunday morning crash that set the Lil' Pantry afire and killed a 63-year-old woman. On Thursday afternoon, the grand jury indicted Robert Franklin Brooks, 26, on multiple felony charges, including first-degree manslaughter, alleging he caused the death of Catherine "Katie" Annette Hein "under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life." The grand jury heard 45 minutes of testimony from four witnesses that included representatives from the Oregon State Police, Medford police and Jackson County Sheriff's Department. The grand jury deliberated about two minutes before indicting Brooks, of the 1800 block of McDonough Road, on felony charges of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree escape, first-degree attempt to elude a police officer, along with misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants, two counts of recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest and second-degree criminal mischief. Brooks allegedly caused an 11-minute high-speed chase just after midnight Sunday through residential and rural roads that reached speeds excess of 100 mph. After spike strips destroyed three tires on the full-size Chevrolet pickup he was driving near Crater Lake and Vilas, Brooks allegedly continued before striking the car driven by Hein, killing her, and crashing into the Lil' Pantry market, causing a two-alarm fire. Brooks' demeanor was solemn during his initial court appearance via video arraignment on the charges, frequently answering, "Yes, sir" to Circuit Judge David Hoppe's questions. Brooks' face visibly soured as Hoppe read his manslaughter charge. At prosecutors' request, Hoppe set Brooks' bail at $1 million. Jail records show that Brooks remains lodged without bail for violating his parole on a previous first-degree burglary conviction. "I think especially given the circumstances, the bail amount is appropriate," Deputy District Attorney Melissa Leritz said. Should Brooks ultimately be granted bail, Hoppe ordered him to check in weekly, wear an electronic monitor, not to contact alleged victims, not to possess firearms or weapons, not to consume alcohol or intoxicants and not to drive without a valid license, according to a court order filed Thursday. Brooks will be formally arraigned on the grand jury's indictment at a later date. His next court appearance is set for Aug. 18. Reach reporter Nick Morgan at 541-776-4471 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @MTCrimeBeat. By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat MailTribune.com By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Aug. 11, 2016 @ 6:26 pm Updated Aug 11, 2016 at 9:55 PM » Comment or view comments Terms of Service /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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