UPDATE: MASON - The mother of murdered MSU student Andrew Singler looked on as her son's alleged killer Connor McCowan was denied bond requests last week.

He was surrounded by family and friends of both Singler and his own family.

McCowan, who has been held in Ingham County Jail for nearly a month, was denied bond that would've allowed him to be released on house arrest.

"A charge of murder, even though he is presumed innocent is perhaps the most serious charge that a person can have," said 55th District Court Judge Donald Allen Jr.

Allen argued McCowan could be a risk to the community if released.

Also coming to light during the hearing, McCowan's attorney, Chris Bergstrom said self defense would now be used as an issue in the case going forward.

"I would take exception to Mr. Dewane's characterization of the prosecutor's case, self defense is going to be an issue," Bergstrom said.

Bergstrom, however, wouldn't comment any further on the statements he made in the courtroom after the hearing.

McCowan is charged with killing 23 year old Michigan State senior Andrew Singler last month in his apartment here in Meridian Township.

Singler was stabbed to death, and according to court documents McCowan stabbed Singler in both the arm and chest.

Testimony earlier this month also revealed McCowan and Singler knew each other and that Singler was dating McCowan's older sister.

McCowan will be back in court in a few weeks. A preliminary hearing is set for April 18th.

ORIGINAL STORY: MASON - Alleged murderer and Okemos man Connor McCowan was denied bond requests last week. McCowan's attorney also argued that self defense would now be used as an issue in the case going forward.