Bond has been set for an Orrville man charged with murdering his mother.

Karl Allen Rayford, 52, received a $250,000 bond from Dallas County District Court Judge Nathaniel Walker at Rayford’s first call hearing Wednesday.

Rayford is charged with murder in the case of his mother, Sena Rayford, 74, of Orrville. Dallas County Sheriff’s Department officers brought Rayford into custody Saturday night after interviewing him.

Fourth Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney Joseph Fitzpatrick agreed. &uot;It’s fair and reasonable under the circumstances,&uot; Fitzpatrick said. &uot;It’s adequate based on the facts of the case.&uot;

According to Johnson-Theodoro, bond was set after Walker heard the complaint against Rayford, listened to testimony from investigating Sgt. Mike Tillery and examined Rayford’s prior criminal record.

Johnson-Theodoro noted that Rayford had one previous felony conviction.

Rayford heard the charge he faced and had a local attorney, Michael Jackson, appointed for him at Wednesday’s hearing.

A preliminary hearing for Rayford was scheduled for Sept. 25.

Jackson said he took the case because he wanted to ensure Rayford received the help he needs. &uot;He’s blind and very severely mentally retarded,&uot; Jackson said. &uot;If he did it, he didn’t mean to do it.&uot;

Jackson added that instead of jail Rayford should be placed in a mental institution. &uot;The bottom line is this: The guy is severely mentally retarded and doesn’t belong in jail,&uot; Jackson said.

The case now proceeds to the preliminary hearing, though Jackson said he hoped it wouldn’t go to trial.

Instead, Jackson said he plans on working with the district attorney’s office in getting Rayford the help he needs.