Vegas Woman Denied Lower Bail in Boyfriend’s Death by Car

A Las Vegas judge has set a high bail of $750,000 for Julie Bush, 30, accused of intentionally killing her boyfriend, Richard Penardo (51), by striking him with her car.

The decision came on Thursday after a bail hearing where prosecutors argued for a $500,000 bail. Judge Noreen DeMonte justified the higher amount citing concerns over Bush’s alleged fentanyl use before the incident and the seriousness of the charges.

“Financial means were considered,” DeMonte stated, “However, I am setting bail at an amount I believe she can’t afford.”

The incident unfolded on Friday evening when police responded to reports of a man injured on a sidewalk. According to the arrest report, Bush claimed she confronted Penardo after finding another woman’s tampons in the trash. This reportedly led to an argument where Penardo swung a chain at Bush’s car. Bush maintains she accidentally hit Penardo while driving away, forgetting the steering wheel was turned.

However, prosecutors presented doorbell camera footage allegedly showing a different sequence of events. They claim the video reveals Bush intentionally rammed Penardo’s truck, left the scene briefly, then returned and deliberately struck him again with her car.

Penardo succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Bush’s defense attorney, Lisa Chamlee-Brainard, argued there are “ample defenses” in the case, including Penardo’s “extensive violent history.” Bush currently faces a murder with a deadly weapon charge, with the possibility of additional DUI charges pending blood test results.

Bush remains in custody at the Clark County Detention Center with a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 27th.

Credits: Review Journal