Bond set at $1M for Daniel Evans, accused in home invasion; "3 separate sets of victims"
KENOSHA -- The home invasion that left an elderly couple hospitalized was part of a series of crimes committed by one man, according to court documents made public Wednesday.
Daniel Evans
Investigators say 52-year-old Daniel Evans is responsible for a series of break-ins, including the Village of Somers home invasion on October 27. Prosecutors during Wednesday's court hearing said Evans used a stolen car and a stolen gun to carry out some of his crimes.
Standing 5'4" tall, Evans is not an imposing figure. But during his initial appearance in court Wednesday, November 8th, prosecutors detailed allegations they say portray a dangerous individual.
"There are three separate sets of victims," said Kenosha County District Attorney Mike Gravely.
Among the 23 counts brought against Evans are charges of attempted first degree intentional homicide.
Village of Somers home invasion
Prosecutors say on October 27th, Evans went door-to-door in the overnight hours before finding an unlocked door on a home in the Village of Somers. Once inside, the 84-year-old homeowner confronted Evans. Investigators say Evans later admitted to beating the man and his 83-year-old wife. Evans is also accused of shooting the husband twice in the back with a handgun. Both victims suffered skull fractures.
"You're home in the middle of the night and your home is invaded by an armed gunman, who then fires shots at you," Gravely said.
Officials say the victims are recovering.
Village of Somers home invasion
Evans was arrested a week later after a high-speed chase. Prosecutors say he was driving a car he stole during a previous burglary about a month earlier in Kenosha. The day before the home invasion, he allegedly broke into a Pleasant Prairie home and stole the handgun.
During the pursuit that preceded the arrest, officials say three adults and a six-month-old child were in the car as Evans reached speeds faster than 100mph on a 10-mile chase.
On Wednesday, prosecutors asked the court commissioner to set bond at $1 million.
Daniel Evans
"If he is convicted, there is a great likelihood he will spend the rest of his life in jail. I do believe that gives Mr. Evans significant motivation to flee," said David Berman, Kenosha County Court Commissioner.
The commissioner granted the request. Evans kept a straight face, saying only two words during the hearing; they came when he was asked if he understood the conditions of a bail he is unlikely to post.
"Yes sir," Evans said.
Village of Somers home invasion
Evans got out of prison in February after serving nearly 20 years for charges of battery to an officer, then battery to a prisoner. If convicted on all 23 counts filed Wednesday, Evans faces a maximum sentence of nearly 400 years in prison.