KIRKWOOD, Mo. — A man charged with killing a St. Louis educator in a high-speed crash had his bond significantly reduced Friday.
John Brink, 19, faces second-degree murder, DWI and other charges over a police chase and crash that killed 45-year-old Sarah Howell. Howell was an assistant principal at Confluence Academy South City.
In St. Louis County court Friday, Judge Bruce Hilton ordered Brink's bond to be reduced from $250,000 cash only to $150,000 with 10% authorized, meaning only $15,000 cash is required.
As part of the bond, Brink is not allowed to drive or leave his parent's home except for lawyer visits, doctor visits or employment reasons. He is also not allowed to drink or use illegal drugs.
In a statement, Brink's attorney Matthew Fry said "this is a tragic incident for all of the parties involved – both the victim’s family and for Jack, who was a high school senior at the time. Jack and his family are aware and acknowledge the deep loss that Ms. Howell’s family, friends and the community have endured."
In court documents police said on May 4, Brink and a passenger were cruising around while drinking an alcoholic beverage in a gallon jug.
An officer said that day, they were driving on southbound Kirkwood Road when Brink pulled out and nearly struck the police vehicle. The officer then turned his car around and began pursuing Brink's car. In charging documents, the officer said he was turning off his police lights and sirens and radioing in Brink's car when Brink struck Howell's car.
Charging documents said officers analyzed the black box data from Brink's car, which showed that he was traveling at speeds up to 99 mph. The speed limit at the scene of the crash was 35 mph.
