Accused Westboro Stalker Released

Iraq war veteran and double-amputee Ryan Newell has been released from jail in Topeka, Kansas after police arrested him last week for stalking members of the Westboro Baptist Church in a car laden with several guns and almost 100 rounds of ammo.

Ryan Newell, 26, of Marion, had been held on $500,000 bond since his arrest last week after Sedgwick County officers said they saw him following members of Westboro Baptist Church leaving a protest in Mulvane. Officers said they found numerous firearms in his vehicle. On Tuesday, Judge Ben Burgess allowed Newell to leave jail on his own recognizance, on the condition that he report to a VA hospital. KSNW-TV reported Newell appeared in good spirits as he walked out of jail with his attorney.

Veterans groups from around the nation have reached out to Newell with offers of psychological help and fundraisers for his legal defense.