After allegedly shooting her father Friday evening, Lisa Reardon spoke to her sister, who encouraged the 47-year-old crime novelist to turn herself in, police said.

Washtenaw County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy Hilobuk said Reardon’s sister told investigators, “Lisa was upset and said that she couldn’t believe that she missed and wouldn’t ever get a chance to do it again."

Those details - as well as information on Reardon's mental state over the past week - were revealed during her arraignment today on charges of assault with intent to commit murder and possession of a firearm during the incident.

A magistrate denied bail for Reardon, who is accused of shooting her father in the leg and buttocks Friday at his Dexter Township home.

Reardon, who has written novels including “The Mercy Killers,” based in Ypsilanti, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if she's convicted.

The victim, 68-year-old George Hicks, suffered non life-threatening injuries during the 7:35 p.m. incident, Washtenaw County sheriff's deputies said.

Reardon withdrew $2,000 the day of the shooting, Hilobuk told Magistrate Mark Nelson during the 10 a.m. hearing.

She shot her father, Hilobuk said, chased him as he ran inside, then shot three more times into the door.

Authorities apprehended Reardon in Livingston County about 9:20 p.m. Friday after deputies say she drove away from the scene.

Investigators have said Reardon showed up with a 20-gauge shotgun and opened fire after a dispute with her parents. Authorities have not said what the argument was about.

While Hilobuk requested Reardon remain jailed, Assistant Public Defender Christopher Renna argued that bail be set at $20,000 under the condition Reardon be admitted to an in-patient psychiatric facility upon posting it.

Renna said Reardon has no criminal history to his knowledge, has strong support from people she’s living with and has been seeing a psychiatrist for several years.

If necessary, she could be subject to GPS monitoring upon release, Renna said.

She had a breakdown for many reasons during the past week, Renna said, without citing specifics.

Reardon is an “extremely accomplished” author who has dedicated her life to public service, Renna said.

Renna pointed to her work at Holy Cross Children’s Services (Boysville) School - a medium security treatment facility for youths in Clinton - where she describes herself as part prison guard/part mom.

"Her being at the jail, I don't think helps her state of mind," Renna said. "It's just hurting it right now."

Reardon is paying rent at a home in Ann Arbor, she told Nelson. She is single, does not have children and has worked at Boysville for two-and-a-half years.

She said she also makes money teaching online.

Asked by Nelson how much, she said, “It depends on how many classes I teach. It varies. It goes up and down.”

Nelson ordered that she remain jailed until a preliminary hearing Sept. 1.

Reardon, whose last name was Hicks until she changed it in 1992, is a graduate of Milan High School, according to her author biography.

Reardon has written numerous plays, including “Blush at Nothing,” which was chosen as the inaugural production of the Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea.

The Washington Post called her novel, “The Mercy Killers,” “A spellbinding crime novel…also a brilliantly thoughtful saga.”

The three people who came to the lobby of the Sheriff's Department to watch her arraignment declined to comment.

Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. Reach him by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.