LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A Las Vegas family is grieving and outraged after a judge set bail at just $5,000 for the driver accused of killing their 23-year-old son while under the influence of marijuana.
WATCH | Why was the bail set below prosecution — and even defense — recommendations?
Joree Odabi was simply out for a walk when police say Daniel Stakleff veered off the road, jumped the curb and struck him from behind, ending his life.
Surveillance video captured the crash and what happened afterward. According to the arrest report, Stakleff was seen retrieving items from his car and hiding a dispensary bag in nearby landscaping. That bag contained receipts for marijuana vape pens.
Police say Stakleff failed part of a sobriety test and, according to the District Attorney's office, testing showed he had seven times the legal limit of THC in his system. Stakleff is now charged with DUI resulting in death, reckless driving and failure to maintain in his lane.
In a Las Vegas courtroom last Monday, Judge Joe Bonaventure set bail for Stakleff at just $5,000 with electronic monitoring. That decision was far below the $250,000 prosecutors recommended. Even Stakleff's defense asked for $50,000.
"Every judge can make their decision, but make it fair. It wasn't even fair," said Valerie Odabi, Joree Odabi's mother. "It was not only a punch in the gut; it was like somebody ran me over."
When asked what went through her mind in that moment, Odabi said, "Just total shock. Just the theatrics that were played out to hear again the judge have a $5,000 bail was a slap in the face. It was an insult."
In an interview with Channel 13, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson expressed concern about the ruling.
"This man made a conscious decision to drive while impaired and killed somebody. In my opinion, he's both a flight risk and a danger to the community. It sent shock waves through the legal community," Wolfson said.
EXTENDED INTERVIEW | DA Steve Wolfson expresses concerns about the bail amount in this case:
While Wolfson acknowledged that the judge has discretion to set bail, he questioned the ruling. He says this case is unlike anything he's seen — especially with marijuana impairment levels this high.
Judge Bonaventure has not responded to our request for comment.
Joree's loved ones say the message sent by the reduced bail is both devastating and dangerous.
"It's just the first time he got caught. Unfortunately, my son, who didn't deserve this, was the victim," Valerie Odabi said.
A growing memorial on the sidewalk where Joree took his last steps has become a place of pain, heartbreak, and disbelief. Now, as the man accused of taking her son's life waits for trial at home, this mother is left to carry the weight of her grief — and fight for change.
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"I miss him so much. When I saw him at the funeral home, I told him, 'I'm so sorry that this happened to you. You didn't deserve this because you were not that kid that caused problems,'" Odabi said.
"You were such a wonderful kid, and I'm so sorry this happened to him. I miss him so much and I love him so much," she added.
Daniel Stakleff is due back in court on July 7. He remains out on bond with high-level electronic monitoring.