Bond granted for shooting suspect

Keep my family in prayer as this is very hard for many of us to deal with. Having buried Amber a week ago and now, Hailey seems to be losing fight for life.

Bond granted for shooting suspect

Baby struggles for life
By Meryl Dillman
Anderson Independent-Mail
September 20, 2006
Tears streamed down Cynthia Marchbanks’ face Wednesday as she listened to descriptions of the loss of her 26-week-pregnant friend and neighbor.
Ms. Marchbanks is charged with murder in the Sept. 8 death of Amber Dawn Robey, 22. On Wednesday, Mindy Hervey, assistant 10th Circuit solicitor, and Robey family members told Judge J.C. Nicholson Jr. what took place on Sept. 8 and about the loss the family feels.
Judge Nicholson set a $100,000 surety bond for Ms. Marchbanks, 22. She is also charged with assault and battery with intent to kill, possession of weapon during the commission of a violent crime and manufacturing marijuana. Ms. Marchbanks of West Roosevelt Drive in Anderson County was instructed to not have any contact, direct or indirect, with Ms. Robey’s family.
Ms. Robey was fatally shot in the face and was pronounced dead at AnMed Health Medical Center. Her baby girl, Hailey, was delivered by an emergency Caesarean section at AnMed Health. Hailey was later taken to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and remained there still Wednesday night in critical condition. Her health has significantly deteriorated, according to authorities.
About 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Hailey’s heart stopped beating, said Susann Griffin, spokeswoman for the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. She was later revived.
If Hailey dies, Ms. Marchbanks will be rearrested and charged with murder, Ms. Griffin said.
During the bond hearing, Ms. Marchbanks’ parents, Gwen and Bobby Marchbanks, stood by their daughter’s side. Mr. Marchbanks told Judge Nicholson that his daughter is a good girl and a good daughter.
"She always goes out of her way to help other people," he said.
Ms. Robey’s brother, Robert, and his wife, Lindsey, were also present during the hearing. They currently have temporary custody of Hailey. Lindsey Robey read a prepared statement to the judge. One line read, "Amber’s family and friends will never get to see her smiling face again or hear her precious voice."
Marlene McClain, victim’s advocate director at the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, also read a letter from Amber Robey’s parents, Frank and Kathy. The last lines of the letter read, "Our daughter was only 22 years old. She was coming home to have her baby and be with her son. Now we have to live in deep sorrow and some day to explain to her children where their mommy is. How do we do that?"
Amber Robey planned to travel on the day she died to Virginia to be with her parents, according to authorities. She has a son, Hunter, who is 2 years old, who is currently living with her parents.
After the bond hearing, Cynthia Marchbanks’ attorney, Druanne White, who had originally requested a personal recognizance bond for Cynthia Marchbanks, said she is happy with the bond that was set.
"I think it’s fairly reasonable," she said.
Tenth Circuit Solicitor Chrissy Adams said she thought the bond that was set was "extremely appropriate."
"The facts and circumstances surrounding Amber’s death speak for themselves," Ms. Adams stated. "The defendant is an obvious danger to the community and is a significant flight risk due to her extensive ties outside this state. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Robey family as they stand vigil around baby Hailey and her courageous fight for life."
Frank Robey, Amber’s father, said he hoped Ms. Marchbanks would’ve been denied bond, but he understands she was entitled to a bond hearing.
"I don’t like it, but I think it’s fair," he said.
After the bond was set, Cynthia Marchbanks’ father, Bobby, said he and his wife are trying to get through what’s taking place. They’re doing it with the help and support of their family and friends.
"It’s been a tough situation," he said.
Gwen Marchbanks said they are praying for Hailey. "We’re praying for that baby who’s innocent in the situation," she said.