The prosecution was not yet seeking a finding of probable cause against Tate in Mackay's death. However, Graveley said, because Cook told police he was there when Tate strangled Mackay on a Kenosha beach, Tate's alleged connection to the murder additionally warranted the high bonds.

Cook told police he helped Tate place Mackay's body in her car, which Tate then proceeded "to drive around as if it was his own," Graveley said.

Tate twice gave investigators different stories during questioning, Graveley said, at first telling police he hadn't been in contact with the victim before admitting that wasn't true. He then alleged being present when a third man strangled Mackay.

But, Graveley told Berman, police found the man named by Tate to have a solid alibi.

Victim was local student

Mackay, 17, lived in Bristol and Kenosha. Her body was found about two weeks ago off the 11000 block of Louis Sorenson Road, in Mount Pleasant.

She was a student at Indian Trail High School and Academy, set to begin her senior year.