LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — A state district judge has reduced by half the bond of a man charged with shooting a Lake Charles pastor in front of his congregation.

Judge Clayton Davis cut 54-year-old Woodrow Karey's bond to $500,000, following Karey's indictment on a manslaughter charge.

The American Press reports Karey has been held at the Calcasieu Correctional Center since his arrest Sept. 27 on a second-degree murder charge. Karey is accused of walking into Tabernacle of Praise Worship Center during a night revival service and shooting Pastor Ronald Harris twice. He surrendered, telling deputies Harris raped his wife.

District Attorney John DeRosier describes the new bond as reasonable.

Defense attorney Todd Clemons says he is optimistic that Karey will bond out of jail soon.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL