Murder suspect’s bond still at $750k
Travis McGraw is still being held at the Polk County Jail after a motion to lower his $750,000 bond was denied last week.
McGraw appeared in Henderson County Superior Court on April 17.  Although the bond hearing was held in Henderson County, McGraw’s trial will be held in Polk County.
McGraw, 45, of Hendersonville, is charged with the first-degree murder of his wife Vanessa Mintz, who was found dead on Feb. 19, 2011 at the Saluda Mountain Lodge from a gunshot wound. The Saluda Mountain Lodge at the time was owned by Mintz’ family and she was working there the night before.
Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Mark E. Powell did not modify McGraw’s bond, but ordered that if McGraw does make his current bond that he have no contact with Mary Beth Fisher, the woman he was allegedly having an affair with at the time of his wife’s murder.
McGraw and Fisher exchanged text messages the night before Mintz was found dead, according to search warrants obtained in the case. The text messages include McGraw texting, “I know you love me and I love you.”
Assistant District Attorney Beth Dierauf said Fisher gave McGraw an ultimatum and Mintz ended up dead.
A text from Fisher said, “You understand what Sunday phone call means…right?”
McGraw responded, “Yes. Ma’am!!”
Fisher replied, “That means I could call Vanessa and she would confirm you are NOT together? Because eventually, I will call.”
McGraw’s attorney Tony Dalton told Judge Powell that McGraw was a lifelong resident of Henderson County and spent his life as a public servant, detailing McGraw’s career as an EMT, firefighter, police officer and his service in the U.S. Air Force until he was honorably discharged. McGraw was a Fletcher police officer until he was disabled.
Dalton also said McGraw has no prior criminal history and no history of domestic violence. He asked for McGraw’s bond to be lowered to $300,000 so he could make bond and receive surgery for his back.
Dierauf said McGraw is being charged with the most serious offense a person can be charged with and is facing life in prison without parole if convicted. She said she would asked for a much higher bond and also requested if McGraw does make bond that he have no contact with Fisher. Dierauf said the state feels if McGraw is released Fisher’s life could also be in danger.