LUBBOCK, Texas -
The step-father of murdered teen Holli Jeffcoat made an appearance in court Friday morning. His attorney Fred Stangl fought for a lower bond.
James Holland is charged with continuous sexual assault of a child and held on $2 million bond.
James Holland was arrested a month after the body of his 18-year-old special needs step daughter was found mutilated. Holli Jeffcoat's throat was cut and her uterus removed. The crime happened in her northeast Lubbock County home.
Jeffcoat's mother Debi Holland was arrested last month for aggravated sexual assault. According to the warrant, she knew her daughter was being sexually assaulted by her husband and allowed it to continue. Court records indicated Jeffcoat made an outcry that she was impregnated by the step-father.
James Holland's continuous sexual assault charge however, involves a different family member.
During the bond reduction hearing, District Attorney Matt Powell said although Holland's indictment is not in reference to Jeffcoat or her murder, that case does provide a collateral piece.
Holland's attorney Fred Stangl showed Judge Trey McClendon 12 Lubbock County continuous sexual assault cases with bonds ranging from $50 to $500,000.
Powell argued the facts in Holland's case do not compare to others.
Clifford Holland, the defendant's father, testified that his son worked for his manufacturing company and lived in an RV right outside his Idalou shop since Jan. of this year.
Court documents indicate in Jan. there were accusations the defendant was improperly touching his step daughters and was to leave the home by law enforcement.
Clifford Holland testified that he has received death threats on social media and consequently moved the RV to the back of his shop for protection. Stangl argued because of similar incidents, his client is not a flight risk.
Court documents indicated that the defendant was also accused of sexually assaulting one of his sisters several years ago.
Powell asked Cliff Holland if he'd be OK with the person who impregnated his granddaughter, sexually abused his other granddaughter and his daughter, walking on the street.
Powell submitted evidence indicating there were searches for incest porn on several of James Holland's electronic devices including a computer belonging to his father.
Powell asked the father "if there were searches of incest porn, would you be comfortable with him living in your home or around your surviving grand daughter?"
Cliff Holland responded "no if that was the truth."
Stangl said his client would have a support system if he were able to make bond, because he'd be living with his father.
Judge McClendon mandated several conditions should James Holland make bond. He said he will make a decision whether or not to lower the bond on Tuesday, after reviewing the evidence submitted.
