Controversial streamer Dalton Eatherly, better known online as ChudTheBuilder, may face another major setback in his ongoing Tennessee shooting case. Prosecutors are reportedly planning to stop him from using money raised through an online fundraiser to help secure his release from jail. The update comes just days after a judge set his bond at $1.25 million following charges connected to a courthouse shooting in Clarksville, Tennessee.
A GiveSendGo campaign created for Eatherly and his family has already raised more than $200,000. That amount is higher than the typical 10% payment needed to work with a bail bondsman on a $1.25 million bond. However, reports suggest prosecutors want a special source hearing to investigate where the money came from before it can be used for bond purposes. A hearing connected to the matter is reportedly scheduled for May 21.
Prosecutors reportedly challenge ChudTheBuilder’s fundraiser-backed bond plan
According to reports, prosecutors filed a request for a source hearing “when and if there is an attempt to make bond.” The move could make it harder for Eatherly to use donated money to leave jail while waiting for trial. Tennessee creator Robbie Harvey, who has been following the case closely online, claimed the District Attorney’s office is expected to argue against allowing fundraiser money to cover the bond.
Even if Eatherly is allowed to use the donations, he may still need additional collateral for the remaining amount. In many high-value bond cases, bondsmen require property or other financial guarantees beyond the initial payment.
The legal battle comes after Eatherly was charged with attempted criminal homicide, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. Authorities say the incident happened outside the Montgomery County Courthouse on May 13 after a confrontation between Eatherly and another man escalated into gunfire.
Investigators allege Eatherly fired multiple shots during the altercation, leaving another man seriously injured. Surveillance footage reportedly showed bullets ricocheting near bystanders in the area. The shooting remains under investigation, and Eatherly has not been convicted of the charges.
In short, even after supporters raised hundreds of thousands of dollars online, ChudTheBuilder’s path to release may now depend on whether prosecutors can convince the court to block the fundraiser money from being used toward his massive bond.
