HAMBLEN COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) -- He was charged with reckless homicide after allegedly choking his 16-year-old foster son to death, but now the Hamblen County Grand Jury has indicted Kenneth Wayne Taylor on the more serious charge of first-degree murder, and Thursday the judge granted the prosecution's request to increase Taylor's bond.

Taylor appeared in court Thursday afternoon for an arraignment on the murder charge.

Judge John Dugger also considered the state's motion to increase Taylor's bond based on the fact he now faces life in prison, rather than two to four years.

The judge considered Taylor's 1997 convictions for driving under the influence and drug possession.

While that worked against Taylor, his attorney Herb Moncier called on four prominent members of the community, including Taylor's pastor, who literally stood in support of him.

In the end, the judge doubled the bond, but two of Taylor's friends signed for the increased amount, meaning no jail for now.

The victim's mother says jail is where Taylor belongs.

Kaleb Shelton's mother Shelly Shelton says, "I feel that this charge is appropriate. It's the charge he should have had to begin with. He just kind of got away with it for this long, but this is the only justice."

Jordan Kaleb Shelton died November 24, after he and Taylor argued and fought.

Taylor claimed in a statement to investigators, that he placed Shelton in a choke hold after the 16-year-old attacked him.

Ultimately, a jury will decide what happens.

The trial is set for march 9.