Judge doubles Karrikers’ bail for child abuse, attempted murder charges

By Josh Bergeron

SALISBURY — District Judge James Randolph on Thursday set an increased bail for a Maupin Avenue couple charged with attempted murder and abusing their adopted son.  

Randolph raised bail for Reed and Georgianna Karriker, both 42, from $300,000 to $600,000 for their charges of attempted murder and felony child abuse inflicting serious injury. The raised bail amount does not affect a previous charge of felony child abuse for neglect.  

If one or both post bail, they cannot be alone with anyone under the age of 18 and can’t leave Rowan County unless they experience a medical emergency or visit attorney Jay White at his Cabarrus County office.

White is representing Reed Karriker. Georgianna Karrier was joined by attorney Marlowe Rary in court. Rary works for the firm Whitley, Jordan and Inge in Salisbury. The Karrikers’ attorneys unsuccessfully asked Randolph for more time to prepare for the hearing Thursday before the judge increased bail.  

Reed Karriker wore an orange jumpsuit and spoke with his attorney as he left the courtroom with his wrists and ankles cuffed. Georgianna Karriker wore a tan jumpsuit and looked at the ground as she walked out in handcuffs.  

The Karrikers were arrested Wednesday on new charges by Salisbury Police officers who used a bullhorn to direct them into the front yard. The Special Response Team helped with the arrest.

Police first arrested the couple on Jan. 27 on the felony child abuse charge for neglect. One week earlier, Reed Karriker brought his 11-year-old adopted son to the hospital unresponsive. The boy suffered from sepsis, hypothermia, open wounds, an unknown mass in his stomach, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome and skin lesions, according to search and arrest warrants.  

Lt. Justin Crews of the Salisbury Police Department said Wednesday the boy is still recovering and will be placed in the care of the Department of Social Services. The boy’s siblings have been placed in protective custody, Crews said.

The Karrikers lived at 528 Maupin Ave. and previously lived in China Grove. A deed dated Jan. 11, 2021, transferred the house from its previous owner to the Karrikers.