Frederick Richardson, suspect in the death of Real Housewives of Atlanta star Ashley “A.J.” Jewell, has been released after posting a $10,000 bond.
Richardson was taken from Atlanta’s Fulton County Jail yesterday morning (October 20) and made a brief court appearance before Judge Karen Woodson, who set the bond following new autopsy information about Jewell’s death.
Jewell and Richardson allegedly fought over an undisclosed dispute at Body Tap, an Atlanta area strip club on October 2.
Following the confrontation Jewell died, apparently due to injuries sustained in the fight. “Preliminary results are suggestive of [Sickle Cell],” explained Dr. Kelly Rose. “The altercation played a role in that, and his underlying disease process contributed to his overall demise.”
At the time of his arrest, authorities had presumed Jewell’s death was due to head trauma, and charged Richardson accordingly with voluntary manslaughter.
Jewell’s family has acknowledged that A.J. suffered from Sickle Cell, but remain steadfast that his death was due to blows inflicted by Richardson, and possibly several other individuals.
“Our son A.J. had the Sickle Cell trait which caused no related medical problems during his life. We feel A.J.’s death was a result of the malicious attack by the individual and/or individuals present during the fight,” the Jewell family stated to TMZ.com
Whether Frederick Richardson faces a future indictment will be contingent on the final autopsy, which is expected to verify if the death was caused by Sickle Cell complications, or the fight.
A.J. Jewell leaves behind his fiancé and Real Housewives of Atlanta co-star Kandi Burruss, and six children.
At press time, Frederick Richardson nor his attorney have publicly commented on the case.
