SR-25
03-17-2006, 08:15 AM
The Stockton man accused of killing a California Highway Patrol officer last month entered a not guilty plea in Stanislaus County Superior Court this afternoon.
Columbus Allen, 30, is charged with first degree murder with special circumstances in the shooting death of 36-year-old Officer Earl Scott. The charge allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty if Allen is convicted.
Scott was shot to death early on the morning of February 17 during a traffic stop on Highway 99 near Salida.
Allen had requested the court appoint new attorneys to represent him but the original ones will continue to prepare his defense.
The next court hearing is scheduled for March 23 to discuss attorneys' request for a gag order.
http://www.news10.net/storyfull2.aspx?storyid=16505
Columbus Allen, 30, is charged with first degree murder with special circumstances in the shooting death of 36-year-old Officer Earl Scott. The charge allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty if Allen is convicted.
Scott was shot to death early on the morning of February 17 during a traffic stop on Highway 99 near Salida.
Allen had requested the court appoint new attorneys to represent him but the original ones will continue to prepare his defense.
The next court hearing is scheduled for March 23 to discuss attorneys' request for a gag order.
http://www.news10.net/storyfull2.aspx?storyid=16505