WARRENSBURG, Mo. — Warrensburg bar owner Blaine Whitworth was killed in a murder -for-hire plot late last year.
This week, FOX 4 News learned one of the men charged in Whitworth’s death could bond out of jail at any time.
Whitworth was shot and killed outside of his home in September of 2012.
Reginald Singletary of Warrensburg and Ziyad Abid, a student from Saudi Arabia, were both charged with first degree murder in Whitworth’s death.
Abid is accused of hiring Singletary as the hit man.
Since his arrest last fall, Abid’s student visa has expired which means he’s in the U.S. illegally and could be deported.
His attorneys told FOX 4 News he will soon bond out.
A judge expressed the concern that Abid will flee the country, but said legally his hands were tied.
he said he can’t hold someone without bond, unless it’s a death penalty case.
In the meantime, the “Go Big Or Go Home Race,” a 5K was held in Whitworth’s honor Saturday morning as hundreds hit the pavement in memory of Whitworth.
“The race was an idea, because one of the things they always said was that he was always running up and down Pine Street from Molly’s to Bodies, Molly’s to Bodies, back and forth,” said Diane Whitworth, Blaine’s mother.
A young entrepreneur, Whitworth, who was 25-years-old, owned two bars in Warrensburg.
Whitworth’s mother Diane also told FOX 4 News that it was a fitting way to honor her son. All proceeds from the race will go to other local aspiring business owners.
“His thing was make a difference. Do something kind. Give a hand up. Help someone. Volunteer. You know the goal is to get people involved in their community,” she said.
Organizers, friends and family say they hope to make the race an annual spring event and another link in Whitworth’s legacy.
“Just turn such a negative event into a positive for the community,” said Sarah Bates, the race’s organizer.
“It’s a nice way for me to remember Blaine and to see all of the good things he did growing up,” said Rex Lyon, one of Whitworth’s childhood friends.
“Really anyone who needed a hand he was always there to help pick them up and get them going in life,” said Kyle, another friend.
Organizers told FOX 4 News Saturday’s race raised more than $10,000.
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