Attorneys for a man accused of shooting a local pastor have filed a motion for bond reduction.

Attorneys Adam Johnson and Todd Clemons filed the motion on behalf of Woodrow Karey, 59, who is accused of gunning down Ronald Harris, pastor of Tabernacle of Praise Worship Center, in the middle of a revival service on Sept. 27.

The bond reduction hearing is set for Oct. 24. Karey’s case has been assigned to Judge Clayton Davis. Karey is being held on $1 million bond in the Calcasieu Correctional Center.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso has said a sexual relationship between Harris and Karey’s wife was the motive for the killing, although he did not say whether it was consensual. Karey’s wife filed a rape complaint against Harris two days before the shooting.

The bond reduction motion listed several reasons for the request:

• Karey has not yet been charged with a crime by prosecutors, the motion says.

“Further, recent reports by the CPSO suggest its investigation is ongoing and that a reduction in charge is a possibility,” the motion reads.

• He is not a danger to the public nor a flight risk, the motion says. He has lived nearly all of his life in Lake Charles and has worked at the same job for 30 years, it says.

“Indeed many members of the public, including several of Mr. Karey’s former colleagues and church members, have contacted the offices of undersigned counsel to offer their support for Mr. Karey, his integrity and character,” the motion reads.

• With a net worth of $150,000, Karey cannot afford $1 million bond, according to the motion.

Woodrow Karey and Ronald Harris