Emerson Tohafjian was bailed out twice in the past few weeks after being arrested on several charges, including rape and assault.

The Seneca County District Attorney says he then failed to show up to court and a warrant was issued.

When the DA tried to get Tohafjian's bail increased an additional $10,000, the request was denied by a judge.

The incident has prompted a new online petition aimed at changing the system that allowed Tohafjian, now accused of killing two people this week, to be out on bail. The petition has been signed by more than 2,000 in the first two days.

"We would like to see bail be denied in extreme cases like the case with Tohafjian,” said Bryan Mulheron, a Fayette man who started the petition. “I think he was far too dangerous to be let out in the community again. I feel like our society fails abuse victims, rape victims, in general, women, and I would just like to see something done. I'm sick of it."

State police say Tohafjian ambushed the two women Tuesday night after a cab driver dropped them off on North Virginia Street.

He's still in the hospital after police say he cut himself in the arms and neck that night before he was arrested.