ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Thursday, October 17, 1996             TAG: 9610170039
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: B-1  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DIANE STRUZZI STAFF WRITER

SUSPECT TURNED IN BY KIN $200,000 BOND SET IN BOMBING CASE

Investigators confirmed Wednesday that a family member implicated Frank Helvestine III in what they believe was a racially motivated car bombing that unintentionally killed a toddler 21 years ago.

When Helvestine was arrested nearly two weeks ago, his son said a close relative likely was the informant. Eric Helvestine said the relative was involved in a land dispute with his father.

Wednesday, during Helvestine's bond hearing, Roanoke County Commonwealth's Attorney Skip Burkart said the informant who came to them several months ago was a member of the defendant's family. Burkart described the relationship in arguing that Helvestine's bond should be set at $100,000 cash.

Thomas Blaylock, Helvestine's attorney, had asked for a personal recognizance bond, saying that his client was not a flight risk or a danger to the community.

Circuit Judge Roy Willett said the seriousness of the charges required a substantial bond. He set it at $200,000, ordering that $20,000 be put up in cash before Helvestine can be released. Helvestine, who has emphysema and high blood pressure, remained in Roanoke County-Salem Jail late Wednesday, according to sheriff's deputies.

In May 1975, a car bomb exploded at an apartment complex on Lancelot Lane as a 23-month-old girl, her parents and a teen-age boy were walking by. The girl was killed; the others were injured.

They were not the intended victims. The car's owner, a white woman who was dating a black man, was the target, police said. But for more than two decades there were no leads or suspects. Last spring, that changed when an informant talked to Roanoke County detectives.

Wednesday's hearing revealed few new details about the case. But Burkart described Helvestine as an accessory to the crime rather than the main perpetrator. He said the 75-year-old grandfather did not plant the bomb, and that the man who did has since died.

Burkart said his case is based on admissions by Helvestine as well as the informant's statements.

If Helvestine is released on bond, he will be under house arrest. Willett ordered him not to contact the informant or to leave his property for any reason other than medical treatment or a visit with his lawyer.

LENGTH: Short :   49 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  (headshot) Frank Helvestine III. color.