College Boy's Bond Set at $350K For Alleged Life Insurance Mom Stabbing

A murderous college kid intent on killing his mother and paying his tuition with the life insurance money now must cook up a way to get his hands on $35,000 for bail.

Michael Bernhard, 22, had his bond set at $350,000 during a Tuesday afternoon hearing at the Will County Courthouse. He was ordered to return to court later this month.

Bernhard, a student at Illinois State University, was on his way back to school after winter break when he tried to stab his mother to death in the driveway of their home outside Manhattan, police said.

Bernhard’s mother was reportedly giving him a ride to the train station, but as she was pulling out of the driveway he told her to wait because he left something inside the house.

After Bernhard climbed back inside the car, he allegedly brandished a butcher knife and sliced at his mother.

The mother attempted to fend off her son, “slammed the car into reverse and pulled down the driveway in order to possibly attract attention for help,” police said.

A relative who lives near the Bernhards reportedly saw what was happening and called the police.

Both mother and son were taken to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. She was treated for cuts and abrasions to her hands, arms and throat. He was evaluated and then taken to the Will County jail.

Bernhard faces a charge of attempted murder.