Protection Ordered for Slaying Suspect

Concerned that her life remains in danger, slaying suspect Bridget Callahan obtained a court order Wednesday to ensure that authorities keep her in a solitary jail cell while her case is pending.

The 30-year-old Ventura resident is accused of helping two skinheads kill a teenage girl 3 1/2 years ago. She has been held without bail on first-degree murder charges since August 2000.

During that time, Callahan has been housed in a single cell at a women’s jail to protect her from retaliation from gang associates.

Detectives say they became concerned for her safety after learning that a male co-defendant had allegedly taken out a contract on Callahan’s life because she provided police with detailed information about the slaying.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Callahan’s lawyer expressed concern that jail officials might relax their protections and sought a court order mandating that his client remain in a one-person cell. Superior Court Judge Vincent J. O’Neill Jr. granted the request.

Callahan had been scheduled to be arraigned on a new criminal complaint, but the matter was postponed until April 5.