A former Charles City resident, accused of killing a New Hampton man last fall, has filed notice of his intent to claim he acted in self-defense.
26-year-old Sayvonne Jordan faces charges of first-degree murder, going armed with intent, and abuse of a corpse in the death of 30-year-old Jonathan Esparza on October 20, 2022. His remains were found at Jordan’s Elma residence November 30, 2022.
Jordan has pleaded not guilty and remains in the Howard County Jail in Cresco on a $1 million cash bond. However, last week, he filed for a bond reduction hearing.
In their motion, the defense argued that the bond is at a level that guarantees Jordan remains incarcerated, because he doesn’t have the assets to meet the current bail. They also state that Jordan has significant ties to the community and promises to appear in court as requested if he bonds out of jail. The state filed a resistance claiming that Jordan’s release from custody will put the public at risk and that he is also a flight risk.
A bond review hearing is currently set for September 12th in Howard County District Court.Â
Thursday, defense counsel also filed notice that, when Jordan’s trial begins November 1st, it is the “Defendant’s intent to offer evidence of self defense, defense of property, or defense of others†in the alleged killing of Esparza.
