Dueker denied the request for privacy. Bennett and Robirds pleaded with Dueker to preserve the $250,000 bail.

“They’re going to be a danger to society,” Bennett said.

In court Monday, Dueker wrestled with whether to reduce bail for Hester, James and Perkins, noting apparent economic disparities among the defendants. Two of the suspects, James and Perkins, live in St. Louis and attend Parkway as part of the voluntary desegregation program. Hester, James and Perkins are black. Cremeens, Kebrdle and Petersen are white.

Bail reduction motions for the others were heard last week.

“I don’t like being me right now,” Dueker said Monday. “The fact that (Petersen) makes his bond and the poor people can’t? ... It sort of puts me in a corner here.”

Dueker placed the five on house arrest and reduced bail for Hester, Kebrdle, Perkins and Cremeens to $100,000, with a 10 percent surety allowed for their release. Dueker lowered bail for James to $25,000, allowing a 10 percent payment for his release.